Investigation after child killed by train

The child was struck by a train at the Bourneview footpath crossing

An investigation is under way after a child was killed when they were hit by a train in south London last month.

The incident occurred just after 08:00 GMT on 23 January at the Bourneview footpath crossing, between Whyteleafe and Kenley, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) said.

The train was travelling at about 50mph (80km/h) when the child was struck.

A British Transport Police spokesperson said the child died at the scene and the death was not being treated as suspicious.

The Bourneview footpath crossing provides a pedestrian access route between two residential areas of Kenley and has gates and signage instructing users on how to cross.

The child, who has not been formally identified by the police, was a pupil at Riddlesdown Collegiate in Kenley, Inside Croydon reported.

An RAIB spokesperson said the investigation would seek to determine the sequence of events leading to the accident, including factors affecting the child's actions, previous incidents at the crossing, risk management strategies, and any underlying factors.

The investigation is independent of any investigations carried out by the railway industry or the Office of Rail and Road.

A report containing the findings and any safety recommendations would be published on the RAIB website at the conclusion of the investigation.