Woman and child die after being hit by train

A woman and a young boy, believed to be three years old, died today when they were hit by a main line train in the morning rush hour.

British Transport Police (BTP) described the deaths as “a tragic incident”, adding that it was believed there was no-one else involved.

BTP were called to Riddlesdown rail station near Purley, south London, at around 8.20am.

Ambulance teams and Met Police officers also attended and the woman, thought to be in her 30s, and the child were declared dead at the scene.

The station was temporarily closed while emergency services dealt with the incident and the police investigation was under way.

Electrical power to the line between Woldingham and South Croydon was turned off and no trains were able to run on the line for some hours.

Detective chief inspector Iain Miller of BTP said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the woman and child involved in this tragic incident.

“Officers are continuing to work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident although early indications show that no one else was believed to have been involved.”

There was considerable disruption to services run by the Southern train company in the area, with buses running between some stations and extended journey times.

The line between Uckfield/East Grinstead and South Croydon reopened early this afternoon but delays were expected.

The train which struck the woman and child was the 7.30am service from Uckfield in East Sussex to London Bridge.

The train, thought to have been travelling at around 60mph, was not due to have stopped at Riddlesdown station.

BTP could not confirm reports that the woman was seen dragging the child into the path of the train.