INVESTIGATIONS were underway on Friday (December 5) after a person was killed on the main Paddington to Penzance railway line near Burlescombe.

The incident happened at about 5.30 pm on Thursday and Great Western Railway and Cross Country trains were immediately stopped at Taunton and Exeter St David’s stations for several hours.

Rail replacement bus services were commissioned to transport passengers while the incident was attended to.

A spokesperson for British Transport Police, said: “Officers were called to a report of a casualty on the tracks just after 5.30 pm near Burlescombe.

“Officers and paramedics attended and sadly a person was pronounced deceased.

“The incident is not thought to be suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”

The Wellington Weekly is awaiting a full statement from British Transport Police.