A MAN has died after he was hit by a train near Winchester yesterday.

Police were called to reports of a man being struck by a train, between Shawford and Winchester, at about 8.30am. 

South West Trains said remains were been found near to the tracks and that delays to all services using the line between Eastleigh and Basingstoke - including Bournemouth/Weymouth to London Waterloo - should be expected.

Several trains were cancelled while British Transport Police (BTP) carried out an investigation.

A BTP spokeswoman said: “We attended with the ambulance service but sadly a person was found to be deceased at the scene.

“We will be working to identify the man and informing his next of kin and a file for the coroner will be prepared.”

Due to the incident all lines were blocked between Eastleigh and Basingstoke. They were reopened shortly after 10.30am, and South West Trains arranged alternative transport between Eastleigh and Basingstoke.

The operator said: "The location of the incident has caused a knock on effect as there are only two lines available through this area.

"This means trains may have to be cancelled or delayed. Some services may also be diverted via an alternative route or terminated and started back from different locations.

"Four buses will be running between Basingstoke, Winchester and Southampton Central and passengers at Micheldever and Shawford should speak to a member of staff or use a help point.

"Taxis will be supplied when buses are unavailable."