A MAN was killed by a train after crossing the track at an unauthorised point following a drink with a friend last night.

British Transport Police said that Christopher Wilson, 27, was found underneath the train and was dead by the time police arrived at the scene.

Officers were alerted after the driver of the York to Blackpool express train reported hitting a man near Mill Hill station at 7.45pm.

Paramedics were called to remove the body from the scene. An ambulance spokesman said Mr Wilson had suffered an "extreme trauma."

The accident happened a quarter of a mile from Mill Hill Station on the Blackburn-bound side of the railway lines in the Galligreaves area.

Police were today making inquiries to confirm where Mr Wilson lived but it is believed he was local.

A spokesman said: "Mr Wilson had been with a friend while crossing the line at an unauthorised point.

"The friend made his way home after the accident, where he told his girlfriend, who in turn contacted the police."

An investigation was launched after the incident, but British Transport Police said they were treating it as an accidental death.

Police believe there may have been other witnesses to the accident and are asking people with information to come forward.

Both Mr Wilson and his friend were said to have been drinking before the incident, according to police.

A British Transport Police spokesman said: "There is an average of between 30 and 40 deaths every year on the North West's railway network."

A file has been passed to the coroner and an inquest is due to be opened before the end of the week.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact British Transport Police on 01772 253682.