BRITISH Transport Police have confirmed that the 83-year-old man who died on the crossing at Bentley station last Wednesday was riding a disability scooter at the time of the tragedy.

The man’s family have been informed following the fatal incident, which happened at the Bentley station foot crossing in Alice Holt Forest just before 4.30pm on October 5.

A statement by British Transport Police read: “Just before 4.30pm [on Wednesday], our officers were called to Alice Holt level crossing in Farnham after reports a person was struck by a train.

"Officers attended alongside paramedics, however an 83-year-old man from the local area was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. His family have been informed."

The spokesman added: "I can confirm that the deceased was on a mobility scooter at the time of the impact, but we can’t comment on any further speculation [that the wheels of his scooter got caught in the rails] at this time as it is up to the investigators to examine the circumstances leading to the incident.

“British Transport Police has referred the incident to the Rail Accident Investigations Branch.”