A FLIGHT test engineer who was found dead by a railway line near Wylye sustained multiple injuries “consistent with a fall from a moving train”, an inquest heard.

Carl Harris, from Amesbury, died on July 8, 2013 with his body found by railway engineers west of the A303 overbridge at Bapton.

The 43-year-old had gone missing a week earlier from Beechlydene Ward at Fountain Way, Salisbury, where he was being treated as a voluntary patient.

Dr Harris suffered from bipolar disorder and was to have his medication reviewed. On leaving the ward on July 1 he went to Salisbury Railway Station where he boarded a train.

A post mortem showed the cause of death was multiple injuries. Assistant coroner Dr Claire Balysz said the extent of the injuries would have meant Dr Harris’ death would have been “virtually instantaneous”.

The three-day inquest at Salisbury Coroners Court, which started on Wednesday, heard CCTV footage showed him entering the train station at about 11am where he bought a ticket for the Brighton to Great Malvern service. However, Dr Harris boarded an earlier train and was alone in the carriage.

John Wilson, giving evidence for the British Transport Police, said CCTV footage showed Dr Harris’ behaviour become “erratic” and he exited the train after striking a window with a fire extinguisher.

His family believe his actions may have been the result of a panic attack after realising he was on the wrong train.

The inquest heard on the day Dr Harris left the ward staff nurse Naomi Noke believed he was being accompanied by Reverend Bill Smith. But the inquest heard they did not leave together. She said no concerns were flagged up about Dr Harris having leave from the unit.

Consultant psychologist Dr Daniel Meron said he had talked about going home and changing his medication, and it was agreed that he could have accompanied leave with family, friends or members of staff.

Questions were raised by the family as to why they were not involved in his review at the hospital, which would have given doctors a “better picture” of his health. Avon and Wiltshire Partnership Trust said it had changed its procedures in relation to communication with families.

Dr Meron said: “We missed something. The risk assessment was good on what we understood.” He added: "I felt strongly and I still think that I can't see that Carl intended to end his life."

The inquest has been adjourned until Thursday for a verdict to be considered.