Rail disruption for Newcastle United fans ahead of Arsenal clash as person hit near Cramlington station

Any Newcastle United fans travelling to St. James’ Park from the North via public transport tonight are set to face heavy delays and cancelled trains.

Breaking news this afternoon is that a person has been hit on the train track at Cramlington train station, causing widespread disruption.

It comes as thousands of Newcastle United fans prepare to travel to the city centre to watch the side’s final Premier League home game of the season against Arsenal.

Any fans travelling on LNER services will need to check their routes.

Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah shared one message posted online by a Newcastle United fan, who had been planning to travel to Tyneside from Edinburgh for the match at St. James’ Park tonight.

She wrote: “Any Toon fans driving from Edinburgh ASAP for tonight’s game?

“Train problems on line and might not make the game, happy to pay.”

A number of fans took to the replies to share their worries about being stuck in similar situations.

What has happened?

A spokesperson from British Transport Police said: “British Transport Police were called to Cramlington station at 2.53pm today (16 May) following reports of a casualty on the tracks.

“Paramedics also attended, however sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene.

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

A spokesperson from the North East Ambulance Service said: “We were called at 14:54 following reports of a person who had been hit by a train at Cramlington Train Station.

“We dispatched three vehicles from the hazardous response team, a duty office, clinical team leader and a double crewed ambulance to the scene.”

Shortly after 3 pm today, LNER shared on Twitter: “It is with great sadness that due to a person being hit by a train between #Newcastle and #Morpeth all lines are blocked.

“Train services running through these stations may be cancelled or delayed.

“Please bear with us, we will update you as soon as we have any further information.”

Which services are affected?

Initally, LNER was unable to run any trains on routes on the lines North of Newcastle.

As of 5 pm, the incident had been cleared and services are now running between Newcastle and Morpeth once again.

Trains are nonetheless disrupted with delays of over an hour.

Those travelling should check LNER’s social media for frequent updates.

What alternative services can be used?

Customers have been told they can use their LNER ticket at no extra cost on the following routes:

Avanti West Coast between London Euston and Glasgow Central/Edinburgh.

ScotRail between Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley.

Northern between Carlisle and Newcastle.

CrossCountry via any route.

TransPennine Express via any route.

Rail replacement buses are also being announced.

Newcastle United kick-off against Arsenal at 8 pm this evening at St. James’ Park.

If you, or anyone you know, has been affected by the incident that happened on the rail network today, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 for support and a confidential talk.