Trains heading to Shenfield are unable to stop at Chadwell Heath or Goodmayes stations after the body of a man was found next to the track.

The body was found at 2.40pm today, causing disruption as trains were unable to stop from 3.50pm while police carried out an investigation.

Officers do not yet know the name or age of the man, who was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

A spokesman for the British Transport Police said: “BTP were called to the line close to Whalebone Lane South, Dagenham, following a report of a body on the tracks.

“BTP and Essex Police officers attended the incident, which was reported to police at 2.40pm and is currently being treated as unexplained.”

He added: “Officers are currently working to establish the identity of the man involved and establish the circumstances surrounding his death.”

National Express East Anglia are advising passengers for Goodmayes and Chadwell Heath to change at Ilford or Romford and use the 86 bus route.

Their website warns of “short notice alterations, cancellations and delays of up to 15 minutes.”

The disruption comes as thousands of commuters prepare to travel home on the line from Liverpool Street.

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting incident number 299 of 04/01/2011.