A man has died after being struck by a train in Hertfordshire following his escape from a custody van while being taken to court, police have confirmed.
The incident happened near Welwyn North station at around 9am, causing severe disruption to rail services. Hertfordshire Police referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) shortly afterwards, as is mandatory when a death occurs following police contact.
“A man died after escaping a custody van en route to court and being struck by a train near Welwyn North station, Hertfordshire. The incident has been referred to the IOPC, causing rail disruption.”
According to reports, the man was being transported to a court appearance when he managed to flee the vehicle. He was then hit by a train on the nearby railway line. Emergency services attended, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The rail network in the area experienced significant delays, with trains being cancelled or diverted while investigators examined the tracks. Passengers were advised to check their journeys and allow extra time.
The IOPC has confirmed it will conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances of the death, focusing on the actions of the police before and during the escape. A spokesman said: "We are aware of an incident in which a man died after being struck by a train in Hertfordshire. Our investigation will look at the police contact prior to the death."
Hertfordshire Police said in a statement: "We can confirm that a man has died after being struck by a train near Welwyn North. The incident has been referred to the IOPC, and we will cooperate fully with their investigation."
The identity of the man has not yet been formally released, pending notification of next of kin. A post-mortem examination is expected to take place in due course.
Local residents and commuters described a scene of chaos, with police tape cordoning off the area and trains halted for hours. One witness said: "I saw the emergency services arriving, and then we were told the line was closed. It was very distressing."
The incident raises questions about the procedures for transporting prisoners to court, particularly regarding the security of custody vans and the risk of escape. The IOPC investigation will examine whether proper protocols were followed and whether any improvements are needed.
For rail passengers, the immediate impact was significant disruption on services through Welwyn North, a key stop on the East Coast Main Line. Operators advised that delays could continue into the afternoon as investigations concluded.
The death also highlights the dangers of railway lines, especially in areas near roads or footpaths. British Transport Police have reminded the public to stay clear of tracks and to always use designated crossings.
As the investigation unfolds, further details are expected to emerge about the circumstances of the escape and the identity of the deceased. The IOPC has said it will release a statement once the initial inquiries are complete.
## What This Means For You
- Rail passengers: Expect delays and cancellations on services through Welwyn North. Check with your train operator before travelling. - Homeowners & commuters: The incident may raise concerns about safety near railway lines, especially if you live close to a station. - General public: The IOPC investigation will scrutinise police custody procedures, potentially leading to changes in how prisoners are transported to court.