Pair killed trying to dodge 80mph train

A MAN and a woman were killed as they tried to clamber up on to a station platform after crossing tracks in front of a train travelling at 80mph.

The pair were hit as they took a short cut between platforms at Milliken Park in Renfrewshire.

British Transport Police (BTP) are investigating whether they were attempting to catch the Glasgow-bound train, not realising that particular service was not actually scheduled to stop at that station.

Officers said the tragic incident may have resulted from a split second decision.

The incident happened at 8:20pm on Wednesday – 13 minutes before the next train for Glasgow was due to stop at Milliken Park.

The 28-year-old man was understood to have been trying to push the 25-year-old woman up on to the platform from the tracks when they were hit by the 7:43pm Ayr-Glasgow train.

Police were last night still trying to trace next of kin for the man, who was from Renfrew.

The woman was from Paisley.

They are thought to have been friends but it is not known whether they were a couple, or had been drinking.

Paramedics and officers from both BTP and Strathclyde Police were called to the scene, where the pair were both pronounced dead.

The deaths are not being treated as suspicious and criminal activity has been ruled out.

Police are examining CCTV images of the two crossing the line.

A BTP spokesman said: “From investigations so far, officers believe the two involved had trespassed onto the line to gain access to one platform from another. A full report will be submitted to the local procurator fiscal.”

ScotRail said that it deeply regretted the lives had been lost as a result of people going onto tracks between platforms.

A ScotRail spokesman said: “It is a tragic incident which could have been avoided.

“The rail industry as a whole regularly warns that anyone who goes on or near the railway puts themselves in great danger.

“We are assisting police with their inquiries and CCTV will be provided.

“Our thoughts are with the families and friends of all involved.”

Less than two hours earlier, a 67-year-old woman died when she was hit by the 6:30pm Glasgow to Edinburgh train at Linlithgow station.

A BTP spokesman said: “BTP attended the incident, which was reported at 7:10pm, alongside officers from Lothian and Borders Police.

“Paramedics from the Scottish Ambulance Service also attended but the woman, believed to be aged 67 and from the local area, was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The incident is currently being treated as non-suspicious and a file will be submitted to the local procurator fiscal.”