Passengers are being warned to check before travelling this afternoon after a train hit a van in near Teynham in Kent.

Emergency services are responding to the incident and means that the line between Newington and Faversham is closed.

Sadly, the police have confirmed that a person has died in the incident, with an investigation underway.

A rail replacement bus service is in operation and ticket acceptance is in place with Fast Track buses, Thameslink services as well as Southeastern High Speed services.

The latest information can be found on the National Rail website.

A British Transport Police spokesperson said “Officers were called to the line in Tonge just after 12.45pm today (13 July) following reports of a train striking a van. Paramedics also attended, however sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident is currently being investigated. “

A spokesperson for Southeastern said “Severe disruption because of a train hitting an obstruction at Teynham. Replacement buses Gilllingham – Faversham & Sittingbourne – Sheerness. Ticket Accepted on: Fastrack buses: Ebbsfleet – Gravesend High Speed Thameslink trains Underground between terminals”