A MAN has died after being hit by a train on a Merseyrail line near Ellesmere Port.

Merseyrail confirmed yesterday evening (Monday, January 1) at around 6.30pm that passengers were to expect disruptions, cancellations and delays to services on the Ellesmere Port and Chester line.

A spokesperson for Merseyrail said: "Due to a person sadly being hit by a train, services on the Ellesmere Port and Chester line are disrupted.

"Services between Rock Ferry and Chester/Ellesmere Port have been suspended, with services terminating and starting back from Rock Ferry."

British Transport Police has since confirmed that the man, who was in his 40s, sadly died at the scene, and said the death is not being treated as suspicious.

A British Transport Police spokesperson said: "Officers were called to the line near Ellesmere Port at around 6.30pm yesterday (January 1) 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."