VILLAGERS have paid tribute to a man who was killed after being struck by a train at a level crossing on the main London Liverpool Street/Norwich line.
BURSTALL: Villagers have paid tribute to a man who was killed after being struck by a train at a level crossing on the main London Liverpool Street/Norwich line.
Michael Dewhurst died at the crossing in Tivetshall, near Diss, in Norfolk, on Monday afternoon.
Investigators have confirmed that his death is being treated as non-suspicious.
Mr Dewhurst's family, who live in The Street, in the village on the outskirts of Ipswich, said they were too upset to speak after it was discovered late yesterday afternoon that the 44-year-old was the victim of the tragedy.
A nearby resident, who asked not to be named, said: “He was a smashing guy, really down to earth.
“I can't believe that something like this would happen to him. I'm very shocked.”
Another said: “He had a heart of gold and was very well known in the village. He would always stop for a chat and was generally a very pleasant man. He will be missed.”
Mr Dewhurst worked for Eastwood Tree Services, in Coddenham, a company which he founded in 1987.
He was struck at about 5pm by a National Express East Anglia service from London Liverpool Street.
The collision closed the mainline between Norwich and Diss for almost three hours and caused delays of over an hour on commuter services for the rest of the night.
Some passengers opted to pay for a taxi to complete their journeys after waiting more than 30 minutes for a replacement bus service.
A British Transport Police spokesman said yesterday: “BTP can confirm that a man, believed to be in his 40s and from Ipswich, died after being struck by a train near to Tivetshall level crossing on Monday. The incident was reported to police at 5.03pm and was attended by BTP, Norfolk Police and paramedics from the local ambulance service.
“The incident is being treated as non-suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”
A spokesman for National Express East Anglia said services returned to normal yesterday morning .
He added that replacement coaches had been provided on Monday, but had taken a “little time” to get them in place.
The Street.
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