A woman and a child have died after being struck by a train this morning.

British Transport Police (BTP) were called to Riddlesdown rail station in Purley at around 8.29am.

The woman who is believed to be in her 30s and son beleived to be aged 3, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Electrical power to the line between Woldingham and South Croydon have been turned off so emergency services can safely attend the incident.

Southern said the line was expected to be closed until 4pm.

Rail passengers have been warned of severe delays between East Croydon and East Grinstead and East Croydon and East Uckfield.

Commuter Paul Camlett, 38, said: "I had just arrived at the station when the station master rounded everyone up and ordered them off the platform. Everyone was oblivious to what had happened.

"A woman screamed 'there's a body on the track'.

"I'm at work now but I can't work. I'm in complete shock. People were crying. They were in complete shock. The woman who screamed just could not speak."

A rail worker, who did not want to be named, told the Daily Mail he had spoken with the driver of the train involved.

He said: "She jumped pulling the kid with her. The driver said she dragged the kid with her as she jumped in front of the train.

"He is pretty shook up as you can imagine, anyone would be."

A British Transport Police spokeswoman said: "BTP officers were called to Riddlesdown rail station in Purley on Friday March 22 after a report that a woman and a child had been struck by a train.

"The incident was reported to BTP at 8.29am and was also attended by Metropolitan Police officers.

"Medics from the London Ambulance Service also attended, but a woman and a child were declared dead at the scene.

"The station has been temporarily closed while officers and medics deal with the incident.

"Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances, and a file will be prepared for the coroner."

A London Ambulance Service spokeswoman: "We were called at 8.33am today to reports of two people under a train at Riddlesdown railway station.

"We sent a single responder in a car, an ambulance crew and a duty officer. Sadly, a woman and a child were dead at the scene."

The women and child were hit by the 7.38am Uckfield to London Bridge service.

Did you see the incident? Call the Croydon Guardian newsdesk on 0208 722 6351