Police in Canterbury are trying to find the family of a man who was hit and killed by a train near Christchurch.

It happened in Belfast at around a quarter to 3 this morning.

Senior Sergeant Vaughan Lapsley said police are now conducting an investigation on behalf of the Coroner.

"The 44-year-old male was located deceased at the scene.  Police are still trying to contact the next of kin to inform them."