A MAN who died when he was hit by a passing train in Ufton Nervet today is believed to have been in his late 40s or early 50s.

British Transport Police are officially treating the death as "unexplained" and spokeswoman Emma Wiggins said tonight officers are still trying to identify the man so that they can contact his family.

The incident took place at the unmanned level crossing in the village where seven people died in November 2004 when an express train hit a car deliberately driven onto the tracks. Police are working on the theory that the victim did not fall or slip and may have walked onto the tracks

Ms Wiggins said: "The body of a man, believed to be in his late 40s or early 50s, has been recovered from the line and officers are investigating. The train involved was the 05.29am service from Reading to Bedwyn, the driver of which reported striking an object on the line."

The rail line was reopened at 11.45am and services have since returned to normal. Can you help the British Transport Police? Call them on 0800 40 50 40.