Police launch investigation into body found on the tracks near Dover as trains face major disruption

There's been major disruptions to train services across the South East today, as two bodies were found on the tracks just hours apart.

Kent police were initially called to "near the Port of Dover" in the middle of the night, where the first body was found.

This meant the line was shut between Folkestone and Dover, affecting trains travelling into London and Ramsgate.

The line was later cleared, and services resumed as normal at around 11am.

In a statement about the incident, the British Transport Police said: "Detectives areappealing for witnessesto come forward following the death of a man on the railway on 6 September.

"Officers were called to the line near Port of Dover in Dover Town at around 1.45am today (6 September) to reports of a casualty on the tracks.

"Paramedics also attended, however sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to their death, and detectives are urging anyone with information or who may have witnessed something to come forward.

"Those with information are asked to text British Transport Police on 61016 or call them on 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 51 of 6 September.

"Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Police were then called to near Canterbury East train station, to reports of another body found on the tracks- just seven hours later.

Emergency services remained at the scene until the afternoon - train services between Faversham and Dover Priory were back to normal at 12:30pm.

A British Transport Police spokesperson said about the Canterbury incident: “Officers were called to the line near Canterbury East railway station at around 9.19am today following reports of a casualty on the tracks.

“Paramedics also attended, however sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”

Train services were at a standstill between Maidstone East and Ashford due to a broken down train at Charing.

The Hastings line has also seensome delays, a train broke down at Etchingham earlier today.

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