A MAN has been seriously injured after being hit by a train between Bolton and Blackburn.

The incident happened just after 4pm near Entwistle, between Bromley Cross and Darwen train stations.

The man, who is thought to be in his mid 30s, suffered serious injuries to both feet and has been taken to the major trauma centre at Royal Preston Hospital.

Replacement buses were laid on between Bolton and Blackburn, stopping at all stations, while emergency services attended the incident.

Northern Rail said lines between Bolton and Blackburn had re-opened 6pm and that services would be running at normal times by 7pm. 

A spokesman for North West Ambulance Service said: "We got a call at 4.09pm to a male patient who has been injured by a train.

"He suffered serious injuries to both feet and he was taken to Royal Preston Hospital's trauma centre.

"He is a male patient in his mid 30s."

British Transport Police said there were not thought to be any suspicious circumstances.

A BTP spokesman said: “Our officers were called to Entwistle station shortly after 4pm after reports a person has been hit by a train.

"Colleagues from Lancashire Constabulary and North West Ambulance Service also attended.

"A man was taken to hospital with injuries to his legs.

"The rail accident investigation branch has been informed.”

A spokesman for Northern Rail said: "The lines between Bolton and Blackburn were back up and running at 6pm. Services will be running at a normal time by 7pm."