A person was hit between Gatwick and East Croydon Station earlier today (June 30), rail operators Southern Railways confirmed.

Emergency services rushed to the scene of the collision, somewhere on the line between Gatwick and East Croydon this morning.

"It is with great sadness that we report a person has been hit by a train between Gatwick Airport and East Croydon," Southern Railways said in a short statement posted to Twitter on Tuesday morning.

The incident entailed a wave of delays and cancellations during the day that began to ease into Tuesday afternoon.

However, rail operators continued to advise people to avoid travelling on the lines or leave extra time where possible with disruption expected through 5pm.

"Services are returning to normal, and delays of up to 15 minutes are being felt," Southern said in an updated posted around 3.30pm.

"Please continue to allow extra time for essential travel this afternoon," they added.

National Rail meanwhile confirmed that all lines between Gatwick and East Croydon had reopened and urged anyone affected by what happened on the line to seek help.

"All lines have reopened following a person being hit by a train between Gatwick Airport and East Croydon.

"Train services running between these stations may still be cancelled or delayed by up to 15 minutes.

"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," a spokesperson said.

They also urged rail users to physically distance themselves from one another amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic:

"In line with government advice if it is necessary for you to travel, you must practice social distancing.

"Plan ahead, consider others and stay safe."