A person has been hit by a train between Watford Junction and Milton Keynes.

National Rail warned people using the route to expect "major delays" after the incident was reported at 12.42pm today (October 19).

Train operators affected include Avanti West Coast and London Northwestern Railway from London Euston station.

A statement on its website reads: "A person has been hit by a train between Watford Junction and Milton Keynes Central.

"While the emergency services carry out their work all lines will be blocked. Trains running between these stations may be cancelled or severely delayed by up to 45 minutes.

"Major disruption is expected until 15:00."

A British Transport Police spokesperson added: "Officers were called to Leighton Buzzard station shortly before 12.30pm today following reports of a casualty on the tracks.

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

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

Rail users may be entitled to compensation due to delays and should keep tickets to support any claim, National Rail added.

It also tweeted: "If you’ve been affected by what happened on the network today, there is always someone to talk to. You can contact the @Samaritans on 116 123 from any phone for a confidential chat."