A 52-YEAR-OLD man has died after being hit by a train in Dalton.

Police were called to the scene just outside the town centre on the A590 on Wednesday night.

On arrival they found the body of a man on the tracks.

He has been named locally as Paul Smith, of Fell Croft, Dalton, who worked for M E Saunders & Sons Ltd haulage firm at Ashes Farm, Ulverston. His death is not being treated as suspicious.

Ambulance crews also attended the scene but left just before 10.30pm. Three police cars remained on the scene until just before midnight while a full investigation of the area was carried out.

A spokesman for Cumbria police said: “After a request from the British Transport Police we attended the scene in Dalton. When we located him he was already dead. He had been hit by the train.

“This is an unfortunate situation and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.”

The train was held in the tunnel while police carried out their investigation.

A spokesman for BTP said: “Our officers were called to Dalton Junction shortly before 9.30pm on September 30 following reports of a person being hit by a train.

“Colleagues from Cumbria police and North West Ambulance Service also attended but a 52-year-old man from the local area was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The incident is not being treated as suspicious. The man’s family have been informed.

“A file will be prepared for the coroner.”

A Northern Rail spokesman said: “Any traumatic incident which affects our employees triggers a chain of care, which ensures they receive suitable support in a compassionate and confidential environment. This includes thorough training and awareness to prepare our employees, as well as counselling after an incident has happened. We also work closely with the Samaritans, supporting our local communities by providing a call-out service for people in distress.

“We make sure there is post-incident support available for everyone, both employees and customers, and through the Samaritans outreach programme develop links with mental health services.”