POLICE are investigating the death of a 38-year-old woman who was killed by a train at a pedestrian crossing point on a rail line.

The tragedy happened at the crossing across the track near the M60 bridge in Clifton Country Park.

The woman, who has not been named, was hit by a North Western train packed with passengers travelling at 70 mph from Chester to Southport.

She was spotted by the driver on the track in front of his train and he was unable to stop in time. The train eventually stopped about a mile down the line at Slackey Brow in Kearsley.

Ambulance crews and police officers rushed to the scene where the woman was certified dead. The train driver was treated for severe shock. None of the passengers were injured.

An investigation is currently underway to determine whether the the woman, believed to be from the Clifton area, deliberately stepped out in front of the train or was victim of an accident. She is believed to have gained access to the track through a kissing gate at one of two crossing points in Clifton Country Park.

The gates are flanked by high fencing and there are signs warning people to beware of trains and to "stop, look and listen". Once access is gained pedestrians are allowed to walk across the track. It is believed a number of dogs have been killed at the crossings.

A spokesperson for Railtrack confirmed that the woman was hit on crossing. She said it was not unusual to provide crossings for pedestrians across the track in country parks.

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