Train services between Norwich and London have resumed normal service following heavy delays yesterday afternoon that were caused by woman being hit by a train in Suffolk.

She was hit by the 12.30pm Liverpool Street to Norwich service around 2pm at the Gipsy Lane level crossing in Needham Market.

Paramedics were scrambled but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

National Express East Anglia services via Needham Market were subject to cancellations and delays but returned to normal shortly after 7pm last night, with a bus replacement service in place to transport passengers during the delay period.

Police officers were last night working to identify the deceased and inform her next-of-kin. Details of her age were not known.

A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesman said: 'The incident is currently being treated as non-suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.'

The tragedy has left nearby residents feeling 'sad and cold'.

One unnamed resident said he heard loud noises moments before police arrived at the scene, saying: 'I just heard a lot of noises and a shrieking sound, that was followed by the driver banging on his horn.

'The next thing I know there are lots of police here.'

Another resident said: 'I went out and came back to find that the police had cordoned off the area. The road was swarming with police.

'People use the level crossing to access a footpath which is very popular with dog walkers.

'It is really sad – when I first heard I felt really sad and cold about it.'