Man dies after being hit by train in Willesden Green police pursuit

The man died after running across a track in Willesden Green

A man was hit by a train and killed as he attempted to escape two police officers who were pursuing him.

The unidentified suspect, believed to be in his 20s, was stopped by officers who suspected he may be carrying drugs just before 4pm in Christchurch Avenue, Willesden Green, north west London on Tuesday. He was not arrested.

After stopping briefly, the man then ran off from police when they began to search him. Officers followed him on foot and a chase lasting approximately 40 minutes then ensued, where the suspect ran through gardens, climbed over fences and across railway lines. He was hit by a train on the line near Dartmouth Road, Willesden, at 5.12pm.

A police helicopter and the dog unit supported the chase.

London Ambulance Service responded to the accident and attended, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene, a Metropolitan Police spokesman said.

Officers are awaiting formal identification and confirmation that next of kin have been informed.

A post-mortem examination will be arranged in due course. Officers from the Directorate of Professional Standards have been informed.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has been informed and are making an assessment.