UK - Man dies trying to save dog on railway line

[John Ashworth]

Father killed trying to save dog
BBC
Page last updated at 15:22 GMT, Tuesday, 22 July 2008 16:22 UK

A "devoted family man" died after being struck by a train as he attempted to rescue his pet dog, British Transport Police (BTP) have said.

Julian Gunning, 49, was killed at a crossing near Christ's Hospital railway station in Horsham, Sussex, on Monday.

A spokeswoman for BTP said the driver of the Southampton to London Victoria train tried to make an emergency stop.

Mr Gunning, from Ashburton, Devon, had been visiting relatives in the area when the incident happened.

He leaves a wife and two daughters aged eight and 12.

'Tragic loss'

In a statement, the family said: "They were crossing the railway line carefully at Christ's Hospital only to realise that the dog had unexpectedly stopped on the track.

"In trying to retrieve the dog, Julian Gunning was struck by a passing train and both were instantly killed.

The statement added: "Julian was a devoted family man whose untimely death has devastated his whole family. They have asked to be left alone to come to terms with their tragic loss."

A spokeswoman for British Transport Police said: "The train was approaching the crossing at 75mph when he (the train driver) saw a man and his family on the side.

"But the man went back to a dog that was on the railway line and both were struck and killed."

Mr Gunning's death was not being treated as suspicious and the coroner had been informed, the BTP spokeswoman added.