A man has died after being hit by a train near Norwich.

The man, who has not been named, was pronounced dead at the scene after being struck by the 14.06 Norwich to Lowestoft service at Whitlingham Junction, Thorpe St Andrew at about 2.15pm today (Thursday).

A spokesman for the British Transport Police (BTP) said: 'BTP officers were called to the lines at Whitlingham Junction, Thorpe St Andrew, Norfolk on Thursday, 1 September 2011 following a report of man being hit by a train.

'BTP attended the incident, which was reported at 2.16pm, alongside officers from Norfolk Constabulary.

'Paramedics from The East of England Ambulance Service also attended but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

'Officers are currently on scene working to establish the identity of the deceased and inform his next of kin.

'The incident is currently being treated as non-suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.'

George Gott owns Gott's Car and Van Service Centre, which is close to the scene of the incident. He said that he had offered assistance to the train driver when the train involved stopped.

'I offered to help but the driver told me had just seen an elderly chap walking onto the line in front of him and he had been hit. I've never heard of anything like that happening here and I mean what do you say to that?'

The line has now been re-opened.

For more information regarding service disruption contact National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50.