A man in his 40s died after being struck by a train near Welwyn North railway station on Thursday morning, following his escape from a custody vehicle on the A1 motorway, police have confirmed.
Hertfordshire Police and British Transport Police said the man escaped from the stationary van while being transported from a police station to a court hearing. An altercation occurred inside the vehicle, resulting in two transport contractor staff being hospitalised, though their injuries are not thought to be serious.
After the escape, British Transport Police conducted a search and discovered a casualty on the tracks near Welwyn North station. Formal identification has yet to take place, but the man's family has been informed.
The incident occurred at around 9am. Hertfordshire Police has referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, and a file has been prepared for the coroner. Investigations are ongoing, with officers remaining in the area.
Local resident David Elsdon, 82, described the scene as 'a bit of a shock', saying he saw numerous police cars near the station. Police are working to establish the full circumstances of the incident.
