Police have called for a rail crossing in Trimley St Martin to be closed after a man died there.

A post-incident report from British Transport Police officer Ian Heward said the force recommended the crossing be closed, or have warning lamps or anti-trespass deterrents added.

The crossing is already earmarked for closure by Network Rail, which is awaiting approval from ministers to shut the site.

Stuart Hedley, 34, was hit by a train at the crossing in September.

An inquest into his death, held at the Ip-City Centre in Ipswich yesterday, concluded Mr Hedley, of Heathfield, Trimley St Martin, took his own life.

Assistant coroner for Suffolk Nigel Parsley told the inquest Mr Hedley, a car mechanic, had been at a “small family gathering” and in “good humour” before he went to the Grimston railway crossing at around 7.30pm on Tuesday, September 20.

Mr Parsley read a statement from train driver Devin Bellchamber, who said the train had already reached a speed of 50mph when he spotted a man just minutes after heading off from Felixstowe.

“I knew from the thud I had hit him but there was nothing I could do,” he said.

Mr Parsley said Mr Hedley’s family had no idea why he came to his decision.

Although he had visited his GP for depression in the past, he mostly visited his doctor for help in giving up smoking.

His father, Wayne Hedley, said in a statement: “He was a kind person who was loved and liked by many.

“He had a close group of friends who he had known since childhood.

“He could be very funny and enjoyed company but was a very private person who didn’t share his problems.”

Mr Parsley concluded Mr Hedley died from multiple injuries caused by being struck by a train, and that he had decided to take his own life.

He said: “I am pleased to see the British Transport Police have identified an issue and will hopefully take some action.

“If the crossing is closed maybe, maybe, some good has come of this.”