A MAN has died after he was hit by a train at Colchester.

The collision happened on the route between Marks Tey and Manningtree, at around 8.30pm on Friday.

The man was reportedly still alive after the incident, but later died despite the best efforts of paramedics.

All lines passing through Colchester were blocked, causing long delays for passengers.

A British Transport Police spokesman said: "British Transport Police attended Colchester North Station on Friday, April 28, after reports of a person being struck by a train.

"At around 9.26pm local officers as well as transport officers attended the scene.

"A male was pronounced dead at the scene, despite being treated by emergency services."

Disruption continued well into the evening.

The East of England Ambulance Service sent an ambulance crew and two response cars, and a response car from Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Service was also on the scene