A WOMAN in her 60s has been killed after she was hit by a train.

Police chiefs have launched a review following the level crossing tragedy as the 62-year-old victim had been reported missing three days earlier.

The daughter of the woman, who has not yet been named, contacted officers at 7.50pm last Wednesday saying her mother was missing from home.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, Green Lane crossing, just outside Saltney, after police and paramedics were called at about 8.40pm on Saturday.

The woman was hit by the Arriva 8.27pm Chester to Shrewsbury service. A post-mortem examination has yet to be carried out and an inquest is likely to be opened today.

Jacqui Hanson, a Cheshire Police spokesman, said: “Several lines of inquiry were being progressed by Cheshire Police in an attempt to find her.

“In accordance with protocol the missing person investigation will now be subject to an internal review.”

The death comes just two months after another woman died on the Saltney to Chester line near the Saltney Junction area.

A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesman said: “BTP officers attended Green Lane level crossing, Lache, Chester, on Saturday after a report that a woman had been struck by a train.

“Officers from BTP and Cheshire Constabulary attended the incident which was reported to police at 8.37pm and is currently being treated as non-suspicious.

“Paramedics from the North West Ambulance Service also attended but the woman, believed to be 62 years old and from Chester, was pronounced dead at the scene.

“A file will be prepared for the coroner.”

A spokesman for Arriva Trains, which operates the Chester to Shrewsbury service, said the line was closed for a short time on Saturday night following the fatality, and added: “No passengers were injured as a result of this incident and British Transport Police are investigating this matter.”

 Fiona Bateson, a spokesman for North West Ambulance Service (NWAS),said:
“We can confirm that paramedics were called to the Green Lane crossing to reports of a woman who had been struck by a train.

“Paramedics were called along with police. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.”

Community leaders have spoken of their shock over the tragedy.

Veronica Gay, mayor of Saltney, said: “This is terribly sad news and a real shock for the community.”

Barbara Walker, 65, of Courtney Road, said: “The road is an accident waiting to happen, with cars going very fast near where the crossing is.

“I am concerned for pedestrians who use the road and hope something can be done to resolve the situation.”