Police officers sealed off the crossings on Brighton Road and Horsham Road from 10.30am while the scene was processed and the woman's body removed.

The death is not being treated as suspicious.

Horrified passengers were led down the track away from the stranded train to a fleet of waiting taxis just before 11.30am.

(Pictured) Passenger Adrian Walker, 34, from Richmond said: "We heard a clunking noise and a smokey smell and then the train came to a gradual stop. It made a metallic screeching sound and we thought it had gone over a bike or something.

"There were police walking around and I saw one carrying a lady's shoe. They kept us on there for about 45 minutes before we were let off."

Kevin Greatorex, 21, who lives opposite where the woman was killed on the tracks, said: "I heard this loud screaming and then a huge noise.

"I looked out and I could see people running, and then there were loads of sirens and then an ambulance turned up, and there were police everywhere.

A spokesman for British Transport Police said: "BTP can confirm that a person has died after being struck by a train at Horsham Road level crossing, Crawley, today, (Tuesday May 19).

"The incident, which was reported to police at 10.36am, is being treated as non-suspicious."

Were you at the scene? Do you know the woman? Contact the Crawley Observer and leave your tributes by calling 01293 845055 or email by clicking here.

For the complete story see tomorrow's Crawley Observer.