Eurostar re-opens between London and Paris after person killed by train in Kent

The person was struck by a train at around noon on Monday

(PA)

Eurostar services between England and France are returning to normal, after a fatality on the line caused the high-speed rail company to suspend its trains.

The incident happened at around 11.45am between Ashford International and Ebbsfleet International and the person was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police closed the line between the two stations, forcing Eurostar to halt services through the Channel Tunnel between London, Paris and Brussels.

Southeastern high-speed services, which also use the HS1 line, were also unable to run in the area.

Chaos at St Pancras International when Eurostar services were suspended on Monday. Photo: Vincent Lo (Vincent Lo/Twitter)

Earlier, the company advised passengers to exchange or refund their tickets to travel on another day.

On Twitter, Eurostar said people should think twice before travelling this evening.

It said: "Following the disruptions today due to a person hit by a train we are strongly advising not to travel.

"We are very sorry for the delays, we thank everyone for their patience and we will respond here and on the phone as quickly as we can."

A footpath passes underneath the Eurostar line in Bearsted, where the person died (Google Maps)

A spokesperson for British Transport Police (BTP) said the person was struck on the tracks close to Crismill Lane in Bearsted.

“BTP and Kent Police officers attended the incident which was reported to BTP at 11.42pm, and is currently being treated as non-suspicious," he added.

“Medics from South East Coast Ambulance Service also attended the incident, but the person was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Officers are currently working to establish the identity of the person and how they came to be on the tracks. A file will be prepared for the coroner.”

Additional reporting by PA