Police have confirmed a person was found dead on railway tracks early this morning near Wetheral.

Emergency service crews were called to the scene shortly before 8am this morning (November 17) after being alerted to reports of a casualty on the tracks.

Sadly when they arrived, the person was pronounced dead at the scene.

Train services have been disrupted between Carlisle and Newcastle, where passengers may continue to face delays.

The National Rail website said: "The emergency services have completed their work and lines have now reopened between Carlisle and Hexham. Trains are returning to normal but may still be cancelled or subject to delays of up to 20 minutes.

Disruption is expected until 13:00.

A BTP spokesperson said: “Officers were called to the line near Wetheral at 7.45am today (17 November) following reports of a casualty on the tracks. 

"Paramedics also attended, and sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene. 

"This incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”