Person dies near to Tipton Train Station - police launch investigation

Police and paramedics rushed to an area close to the railway station shortly after 12.30pm on Tuesday (March 4) to reports of a casualty on the tracks.

A person, whose gender has not been confirmed, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A British Transport Police spokeswoman added: "The incident is currently under investigation with officers working to establish the full circumstances behind the person’s death."

West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed crews were called by the force to the railway line near Tipton Train Station at 12.37pm.

A spokeswoman said: "Two paramedic officers, an ambulance, Hazardous Area Response Team paramedics, a critical care paramedic and the Medical Emergency Response Incident Team trauma team responded to the scene along with fellow blue light colleagues. 

"Sadly, it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save a pedestrian, and they were confirmed deceased on scene."

A West Midlands Fire Service spokesman added: "We can confirm we've had crews in attendance near Tipton Railway Station. 

"Crews from Tipton and Dudley (10 firefighters) have been supporting Network Rail and British Transport Police with an incident there. The trains were stopped in both directions while emergency services worked to make the area safe."

All rail lines between Wolverhampton and Birmingham New Street have closed due to the incident.

National Rail alerted passengers to the problem just before 1pm on Tuesday (March 4).

It said trains will be cancelled, delayed by up to an hour, revised or diverted, with disruption expected to last until 5pm.

A notice to passengers on the National Rail website reads: "The emergency services are dealing with an incident between Wolverhampton and Birmingham New Street. 

"Whilst they carry out their work all lines between these stations will be closed."

A number of police vehicles and a private ambulance could be spotted at Tipton Train Station on Tuesday afternoon.

Lisa McKinnley said she was having to get the bus as a result of the cancelled trains.

The 32-year-old told the Express & Star: "I'm not sure what's gone on. It has been closed for a few hours I think. The officer said it would be closed for a while yet, I'm having the get the bus instead. It's not nice to see though."

Timothy Decker, aged 27 and from Tipton, said: "I was gonna get the train but they said all the services have stopped running now. 

"It's a bit worrying, it's bad to see, hopefully it's nothing terrible."

What should customers do?

Avanti West Coast customers have been advised that some services could be diverted on alternative lines between Wolverhampton and Birmingham, via Bescot Stadium.

In cases where services are diverted, they will not stop at Sandwell & Dudley.

If their train is cancelled, Avanti West Coast passengers can use their tickets on one of the two services immediately before their booked train, or one of the two immediately after.

West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway customers can use their tickets on CrossCountry trains on a reasonable route and West Midlands Railway trains between Smethwick Galton Bridge and Birmingham Moor Street / Birmingham Snow Hill. 

These tickets are also being accepted on West Midlands Metro services between Wolverhampton and Birmingham and relevant National Express West Midlands bus services.

National Rail said rail replacement transport is on standby at Crewe, Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton if required.

Transport for Wales customers can use their tickets on CrossCountry services between Birmingham New Street and Birmingham International and on metro services between Wolverhampton and Birmingham.

People who experience a delay to their journey could be entitled to compensation. More information on this can be found on the National Rail website.