Preston station death: British Transport Police referred to IPCC

The man is thought to have come into contact with the overhead lines above a freight train in a nearby depot

The death of a man in an apparent electrocution at a railway station has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) by police.

The 33-year-old man died at Preston station on Tuesday night.

British Transport Police (BTP) officers said they were investigating shoplifting reports when they spoke to him at about 21:30.

The IPCC said officers were believed to be chasing the man and "he later came into contact with overhead lines".

It is believed to have happened above a freight train in the nearby depot.

BTP said the man's death is being treated as unexplained and that it referred itself to the IPCC as part of standard procedure.

An IPCC spokeswoman said: "We understand, at this time, that officers were pursuing the man on foot and he later came into contact with overhead lines and sadly died at the scene.

"The IPCC is assessing the incident to determine if an investigation is required."