A MAN in his 50s died after he was struck by a train running through Salisbury.

An inquest heard that Steven James Purchase, also known as Steven James Harrod, had attempted to get out of the way when crossing a railway track last year.

For "unclear reasons" he failed to see the incoming train.

The inquest yesterday, January 27, heard that the 51-year-old was believed to be returning home from a walk on April 11, 2021, at around 9pm, when he attempted to cross the Gramshaw Road foot crossing.

A video shown to the court revealed Steven walking out on to the crossing, then attempting at the last moment to get out of the way of an incoming train.

Heard during a statement from the driver of the train, a Salisbury to Exeter service, the train was travelling at 40mph and had attempted to stop after sounding a whistle.

After the collision police and ambulance were called to the scene.

Steven suffered cerebral trauma from the crash, caused either by his head hitting the ground or contact with the train.

Senior coroner David Ridley said there was a "positive effort to get out of the way", believing Steven to be returning to his home in Bemerton Heath after a walk.

Steven had previously suffered with his mental health, and had been drinking in the lead up to his death.

In a statement from Dr Teresa Parrott, of Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership, the inquest heard that Steven was known to this service since 2000 and “battled with mental health issues".

Mr Ridley added: "He was suffering and had been for many years.

"He had gone out for a walk and was trying to walk across the crossing and for reasons I’m unclear about he failed to observe the incoming train."

The coroner concluded death by accident.

For more information on why local newspapers cover inquests, click here.

Get more Salisbury news. 

You can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date, as well as signing up for one of our newsletters.

If you want online news with fewer ads, unlimited access and reader rewards - plus a chance to support our local journalism - find out more about registering or a digital subscription.

Email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk with your comments, pictures, letters and news stories.