TRAIN services on the Shoebury to London Fenchurch Street line have returned to normal after a man was killed by a train in the early hours of this morning.

Emergency services dealt with the incident, which occurred at 4.35am between Chalkwell and Leigh, leading to the London bound line of the c2c route being blocked.

The line reopened at around 7am this morning but services were still subject to delays or cancellation, returning to normal at around 10.30am.

A spokesperson for the British Transport Police said: "Our officers were called to the line close to Chalkwell rail station on Tuesday, 4 August to reports of a person struck by a train.

"The call came into police at 4.41am.

"Officers from BTP, colleagues from Essex Police and the East of England Ambulance service attended the incident, but a man was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Officers will now work to establish the man’s identity and inform his family.

"The incident is not currently being treated as suspicious. A file will be prepared for the coroner."

The ambulance service was called to the scene at 4.41am and sent a rapid response vehicle, ambulance officer, and an ambulance.

Rail operator c2c tweeted that anybody affected by the nature of the incident should contact the Samaritans.

Customers have been advised that c2c tickets are being accepted on the Abellio Greater Anglia network all day.

Trains stored at the Shoebury end of the line overnight were unable to run until 7am this morning when the London-bound line reopened.

This meant that although services beyond Leigh were running, capacity was reduced significantly.

For live information about cancelled and delayed services visit www.journeycheck.com/c2c/