Train incident turns out to be a bag and not a body hit by a train on Friday in Formby

Emergency services called to reports of a person being hit by a train near to Freshfield Train Station in Formby but when they arrived at the scene, they could not find anyone.

A statement on the Merseyrail website said: “Due to a person being hit by a train between Hall Road and Southport all lines are blocked." and then another statement: "Due to a person being hit by a train in the Freshfield area, services on the Hunts Cross - Southport lined are suspended between Hall Road and Southport.”

A replacement bus service was put in place from Formby station whilst the investigation was carried out. It is now apparent that when the emergency crews arrived, no one was found.

A spokesman for British Transport Police (BTP) said: “BTP officers were called to the line close to Formby on Friday, September 2, after a report that a person had been struck by a train. Officers from the BTP, and Merseyside Police attended the incident, which was reported to BTP at 20:59 hours."

“Medics from the local ambulance service also attended but there was no trace of any person, and it is believed that the person was not struck by the train involved.”

Formby Bubble were told that it was in fact a plastic bag that was hit which was mistaken for a person. Services were disrupted until about 11pm.

Merseyrail asked customers affected by the incident to have look on their website as they may be entitled to a refund.

Visit www.merseyrail.org/refunds for further information.

Original post - 2nd September 10:40pm

We can confirm that a person was hit by a train last night at Freshfield station - 2nd September. Unfortunately we do not have any more details at present but keep checking for updates.

The Rail disruption between Southport and Liverpool is likely to last until around 11pm following “an incident” in the Freshfield area. Merseyrail has warned passengers to beware of delays on its Northern Line services tonight. Merseyrail now says the disruption is due to someone being hit by a train.

A spokesman said: “Due to a person being hit by a train between Hall Road and Southport all lines are blocked."

A national rail spokesman said: “Emergency services are currently dealing with an incident in the Freshfield area and all lines are blocked.

“A replacement bus service is being arranged, but no time has been given for when this service will begin running.

“This disruption is expected to continue until approximately 11pm.”

Merseyrail has also warned passengers of delays and cancelled services.

A Merseyrail spokesman said: “Services are suspended between Hall Road and Southport due to the emergency services attending to an incident.

“Busses are being arranged.”