Rail worker killed after being hit by train in Northamptonshire

A Network Rail contractor has died after being hit by a passenger train on the West Coast Mainline in Northamptonshire.

The victim, aged in his 50s, was employed by engineering firm AmcoGiffen and was carrying out work for Network Rail when the accident happened on Wednesday morning. His family have been informed.

James Dean, Network Rail's West Coast Mainline South route director, said: "The tragedy took place just before 11am near Roade on a southbound linebetween Northampton and London Euston."

The man was struck by a passenger train operated by London NorthwesternRailway. The West Coast Mainline was blocked for around an hour.

A British Transport Police spokesman said officers and paramedics attended and the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch said a team of inspectors was gathering evidence from the site.

AmcoGiffen said in a statement it was working with the authorities to"understand the circumstances which led to this tragic event".