SOUTHAMPTON'S main train station was shut during the evening rush hour yesterday following a death on the line.

A train from Southampton Central to London Victoria hit a person near the bridge at Bitterne Station at about 6.30pm.

A paramedic pronounced the casualty dead at the scene. The person could not be identified due the extent of the injuries, The station was closed for about two hours so that transport police and railway officials to carry out an investigation.

It was unclear whether the person had fallen or jumped on to the track from the platform, passenger walkover or nearby bridge.

A Southern Trains spokesman said the train involved was a 377 class, with up to four carriages and about 300 seats. A Network Rail spokesman said the police had declared the fatality "non-suspicious".

South West Trains station manager Dave Goudoin refused to comment.