THE death of a pensioner who was hit by a train in Wrexham remains a mystery.

Percy Lester Davies, 72, was struck while on the track at Gresford shortly before 5.45pm on Friday.

He died later that night and yesterday British Transport Police (BTP) said that although there were no suspicious circumstances, officers were still trying to discover why he was on the track.

Mr Davies leaves behind wife Pat and it is understood the couple had a daughter.

He was well-known at the British Legion Club on High Street, Gresford, and used to go there every Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

Adrian Jones, the branch secretary of the club, said: “He was a tremendous old gentleman and he knew everyone.

“Everyone is devastated. He was very pleasant and such a gentle person.

“He was very well-liked and liked taking his dog for a walk in the morning and evening.

“I think everybody is still in a state of shock at the moment, it’s a bit sketchy what happened."

It is understood that Mr Davies was a tailor who worked previously at Moss Brothers.

Mr Davies, of Whiteway Drive, Gresford, used to go for drinks at the Plough Inn on Chester Road every Wednesday.

Among the regulars paying tribute at the Plough Inn was Ray Lewis of Newtown, Gresford, who said: “He was a pure gentleman. We are all so sad and can hardly believe the news.

"Everyone here will miss him very much. I have known him for years. He was generous, loved jazz music and was a big supporter of the Royal British Legion.”

Pub landlady Jenna Jones said Mr Davies was well-known to all the regulars and was a popular man.

She said the community had been shocked by news of his death.

“He used to come in every Wednesday for a couple of drinks,” she said.

“He used to have his drinks and chat to people in the bar.

“Everybody is shocked.

“I last saw him on the Wednesday before he died and he seemed alright.”

Mr Jones, from the British Legion, added: “He always seemed happy and was cheerful.

“He only ever had a pint or a pint and a half, he liked to read his papers in the     Legion.

“We express our condolences.”