We can now confirm that a 51-year-old male died at Fishermans Path level crossing yesterday

We can confirm that a 51 year old man has died when he was hit by a train at Fisherman's Path level crossing which is by Freshfield Train Station just after 3pm yesterday, Tuesday 2nd October.

A spokesperson from British Transport Police told Formby Bubble today: "Officers were called at 15:11hrs yesterday, Tuesday 2nd October, to reports that a person had been struck by a train at Clover-le-dale level crossing." "Colleagues from Merseyside Police and the North West Ambulance Service also attended, and sadly a 51-year-old man from Liverpool was pronounced dead at the scene." "A file will be prepared for the coroner."

It was previously released that the man was 52 years old but it has now been confirmed that he was 51. Clover-Le-Dale crossing, which is a private crossing, is a few meters away from Fishermans Path and the incident happened between the two.

Services were suspended for a few hours with replacement busses in place. Police, Fire Officers and ambulances were present.

The train stopped at Fishermans Path yesterday, Tuesday 2nd October 2018

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The notorious level crossing was re-designed to make it safer and re-opened on 1st November last year. Network Rail announced a 21 day emergency closure of the level crossing in July 2017, after a cyclist was nearly struck by a train, and then extended it for a further 21 days.

The crossing, which is described as ‘one of the most dangerous in the UK’ was reopened after more than 1,000 people signed a petition arguing against its sudden closure – and was then manned by rail safety wardens for the full hours that trains operated on the stretch.

There have been three fatal accidents at the crossing in the last three years. Priti Patel, head of safety for Network Rail’s London North Western route, said: “The safety of crossing users and train passengers is our top priority. We are keen to improve safety at this location both in the short term by making changes to the crossing itself and in the long term by providing an alternative option across the railway. We will continue discussions with the local council to try and find a permanent solution at Fishermans Path Level Crossing.”

The gate before the changes

Network Rail is committed to improving safety at level crossings. A spokesman said: "If Britain was building the railway now, there wouldn’t be any level crossings. The safest level crossing is a closed one and in the last seven years we have closed more than 1,000. Nationally, there are still 6,000 level crossings open and we work with a range of stakeholders, including local authorities and landowners, to maintain and improve safety levels wherever possible."