Man hit by train on rail crossing

A man has died after being struck by a train on a railway line in Shropshire.

The victim, who was aged about 40, is believed to have been on an authorised crossing in Telford when the tragedy happened yesterday.

Emergency services were called to the Wombridge foot crossing, about one mile the Wellington side of Oakengates Railway Station, at about 11.15pm.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: "Unfortunately when crews arrived there was nothing that could be done to save the person, who was confirmed dead at the scene."

British Transport Police are investigating.

Sergeant Ray Calledine, of BTP at Wolverhampton Railway Station, said: "We received a call from the train driver at about 23.15pm yesterday stating that he believed he had struck a male on the foot crossing.

"He obviously applied his emergency brake and carried out emergency stop procedures."

British Transport Police, West Mercia Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service attended the scene and the line was closed for more than an hour and a half.

Telford & Wrekin coroner Michael Gwynne, has also been informed of the death.

Sergeant Calledine said the driver of the 22.10 service from Birmingham International to Shrewsbury was "extremely shocked" and appealed for anyone with information to call 0800 405040.