British Transport Police report death at Kirkstall after 2.53pm call

British Transport Police were called to kirkstall Forge at 2.53pm on May 13 after reports of a casualty on the tracks. A person was pronounced dead at the scene, and Northern said train services through the Leeds and Bradford area were disrupted until 6pm.

British Transport Police at Kirkstall Forge

The police force said, "Officers were called to Kirkstall Forge at 2.53pm following reports of a casualty on the tracks." It added, "Paramedics also attended however sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene."

British Transport Police also said, "The incident is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner." That left the response in the hands of investigators and the coroner’s process rather than a wider criminal inquiry.

Northern services between Leeds and Bradford

Northern said the disruption reached several stations at once: Bradford Forster Square, Frizinghall, Shipley, Apperley Bridge, Kirkstall Forge and Leeds. Its website message said, "the emergency services dealing with an incident near the railway."

The operator also said, "Train services running through these stations will be cancelled or delayed." It named services between Ilkley and Leeds, Skipton and Leeds, and Carlisle and Leeds via Settle among the routes affected.

Disruption until 6pm

Northern said, "Disruption is expected until 6pm today (May 13)." The incident happened between Kirkstall and Leeds, widening the impact beyond the station where police were first called.

For passengers, the immediate step was to expect cancellations or delays across the listed stations and routes before 6pm, with the police investigation continuing through the coroner’s file.