Policeman dies on level crossing

British transport officers were called to the scene of the death

A 43-year-old serving police officer has died after being hit by a train at a level crossing on farmland in Kent.

The train was travelling at 80mph when the incident happened at the Broadley crossing between Herne Bay and Birchington at 1025 BST.

British Transport Police said the train was travelling at 80mph when the driver spotted the man on the line about 100m (328ft) ahead.

A spokesman said there appeared to be no suspicious circumstances.

The Ramsgate to London service had 85 people on board but none was injured, although the train was damaged in the collision.

Passengers were left in their carriages for almost three hours while emergency services turned off the power to recover the man's body and carry out temporary repairs.

A Southeastern spokesman said it was considered safer to leave the passengers on the train than to take them off in the remote location.

Replacement bus services were put in place on the affected line.

Kent Police said the officer's family, from Thanet, had been informed.

"We are still looking into the circumstances," said a spokeswoman.

"His colleagues have also been notified. It has been a very sad day for staff."

A post-mortem examination is due to be carried out on Friday.