Death on the railway between New Milton and Sway blocks lines between Bournemouth and Southampton

A PERSON died on the railway near New Milton last night (Sunday) in an incident which blocked all lines between Bournemouth and Southampton.

British Transport Police (BTP) and paramedics responded to a callout at 9.30pm to the scene between the town and Sway, where the casualty was pronounced dead.

The death is not being treated as suspicious and was handed to the coroner.

South Western Railway (SWR) warned of cancelled, delayed or revised services while emergency crews worked at the scene.

Train tickets could be used on Morebus services between Bournemouth and Christchurch.

Ticket holders for the route between Southampton Central and Weymouth were advised to book their own taxis.

Refunds could then be requested by providing contact details, proof of a valid ticket and a receipt for the taxi.

All lines were reopened by 12.50am, when disruption was expected to continue until around 2am.

A BTP spokesperson said: “Officers were called to the line near New Milton at 9.30pm on Sunday 10th September following reports of a casualty on the tracks.

“Paramedics also attended, and 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 series of posts by SWR on X – formerly Twitter – included details on how to contact the Samaritans helpline.

“If you or someone close to you has been affected there is always someone to talk to,” one post said.

“Call Samaritans on 116 123 free at any time, on any phone. Help and advice is only a phone call away.”