A TRANSPORT union says they will work to make the railways safer for workers following the death of a train driver.

Emergency services were called to West Worthing station after a body was found at around 9pm on Tuesday, February 1.

Southern Rail has since confirmed the man was a train driver, while British Transport Police (BTP) announced the death has been classified as non-suspicious.

It is believed that the driver of the train got out of his cab and was hit by an express train passing through the station.

The Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) has offered its “deepest condolences” to the family of the Southern Rail train driver, and said they will work to make the rail network safer for workers.

General secretary of the transport and travel union Manuel Cortes said: “It is always heart breaking to learn of the death of a member of our wider railway community. Our union sends our deepest condolences to the family of the driver who was killed.

“No one should die at work, and I have no doubt a full investigation will get to the bottom of what happened in this tragic case. 

“Our union takes safety on our railways incredibly seriously and we will continue doing everything we can, working with sister unions and others, to make sure our rail network is safe for workers and passengers alike.”

The Argus: Emergency services were called to West Worthing station after a body was found at around 9pm on Tuesday, February 1 Emergency services were called to West Worthing station after a body was found at around 9pm on Tuesday, February 1

BTP are working to establish exactly what happened, while the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has begun an investigation.

It is thought he was hit by the train just before 9pm.

Angie Doll, Managing Director of Southern Rail, previously said: “At this unimaginably difficult time, I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Everyone in our railway family is heartbroken by the loss of one of our own.

“Our full focus is on working closely with the British Transport Police to establish exactly what circumstances led to such a tragedy.”

All train lines were closed in the area while the emergency services dealt with the incident.

also attended but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

At around 9pm that night, Southern Rail said it had received reports of a "trespasser" in the Worthing area.

There was disruption to services late into the night.

In a statement, Southern Rail said: “As a safety precaution, the electricity that powers the line has been switched off. Services will be disrupted in either direction.”

Trains running between Littlehampton and London Bridge were first diverted via Horsham, before all lines were shut.

At 10pm, Southern Rail announced that the line between Brighton, Hove, Worthing and Angmering was shut.