A person has died after being hit by a train near Wigan.
Emergency services were called to the scene of the incident at around 3.30am this morning (Thursday), according to National Rail. Paramedics attended but the person was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
An investigation is ongoing surrounding the circumstances of their death, British Transport Police said. All lines between Wigan North Western and Preston were blocked after the incident.
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Routes affected included the Northern line between Manchester Airport and Barrow-in-Furness. In a statement, a British Transport Police spokesperson said: "British Transport Police were called to the line near Wigan at 3.34am today (21 July) following reports of a casualty on the tracks.
"Paramedics also attended and sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers are currently working to identify the full circumstances behind their death."
A tweet posted by Northern this morning said: "Due to the emergency services dealing with an incident the line is blocked between Wigan North Western and Preston. Train services running through these stations will be cancelled."
An update posted on the National Rail website said: "A person has been hit by a train between Wigan North Western and Preston. As all lines are currently blocked, trains may be cancelled or diverted until approximately 08:00."
Anyone affected by the incident can contact Samaritans on 116 123 from any phone for a confidential chat.
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