A body has been found on the railway line heading north west out of Skipton after a person was hit by a train.

British Transport Police and Yorkshire Ambulance Service attended the scene.

The incident caused major disruption to rail services this morning, particularly services running in and out of Skipton to and from Gargrave.

The line was reopened at about 10am after it was closed for more than two hours. 

The incident is believed to have happened somewhere near where Broughton Road crosses the railway line at Niffany Bridge.

British Transport Police said in a statement that a person had been struck by a train.

The statement went on:  "Officers were called to Skipton rail station following reports of a body on the line. 

"The call came into police at 7.52am today. 

"Officers attended the scene alongside paramedics. Sadly the person was pronounced dead at the scene."

"Officers will work to identify the person and inform their family.

"Enquiries are on-going to understand why the person came to be on the tracks, however the circumstances are not thought to be suspicious."