Tragedy as man found dead near railway station with lines closed and trains cancelled

A man found near a railway station was sadly pronounced dead at the scene today, police have confirmed.

The tragedy led to widespread disruption on the rail route between Stalybridge, Manchester Oxford Road and Southport, with lines closed as a result.

Emergency services, including police and paramedics, were called to an area near to Southport railway station just before 9am on Saturday. It followed reports of a 'casualty on the tracks', police said.

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A spokesperson for British Transport Police confirmed that sadly, a man was pronounced dead at the scene, which hasn't been specified.

The force said enquiries were ongoing 'to establish the circumstances leading up to their death', with no further details revealed.

The tragedy led to the cancellation of trains between Wigan Wallgate and Southport as emergency service investigators worked at the scene.

National Rail said on Saturday afternoon all lines were now open again, although delays to services remain.

In a statement, BTP said: "Officers were called to the area near Southport railway station just before 9.00am today (23 November) following reports of a casualty on the tracks.

"Paramedics also attended, and sadly a man was pronounced dead at the scene. Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to their death."

No further information has been revealed and no age or name for the man has been confirmed.