Slough station deaths: Woman and child die in possible 'murder-suicide'

Police are treating the incident as 'suspicious' and closed the station

Forensic officers work on the tracks at Slough train station after a woman and a child died after being struck by a train at the station (Steve Parsons/PA Wire)

A woman and her son have died after being hit by a train in a possible murder-suicide at Slough station in Berkshire.

The pair, who have not been named, were pronounced dead at the scene shortly before 9.45am on Tuesday.

Police were initially investigating all possibilities but have said they are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident.

Chief Inspector Jenny Gilmer said the mother, believed to be 48 years old, and her 10-year-old son, lived in Slough.

Describing it as “very upsetting and distressing for the driver and anyone who witnessed it”, she said that murder-suicide is one of the lines of inquiry being pursued.

She added: “The incident is currently being treated as suspicious and our detectives have launched a full investigation.

“But they do not believe there was any third-party involvement at the station.

“This is obviously a very tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with those affected.”

Thames Valley Police and paramedics from the South Coast Ambulance service were called to the scene and the station was closed.

Slough station was closed for almost six hours as police gathered evidence and National Rail warned to expect cancellations and delays to services.

Passengers on the train that hit the two people expressed sympathy for the driver on Twitter, saying he apologised over the intercom after the incident.

A spokesperson for First Great Western, said the driver of the 8.41am service from Bedwyn for Paddington was replaced at Slough.

"He is receiving all the support he needs and probably won't drive again for some time," he told the BBC.

In an unrelated incident, a person was struck by a freight train at Gloucester station.

Additional reporting by PA