A PENSIONER was killed by a train as he tried to retrieve his dog from a railway line.

Retired estate agent Michael Hardy, 71, was hit by a train at a level crossing near Codford railway station shortly after 2pm on Wednesday.

Mr Hardy, who had only lived in the village for a few weeks, had parked his car at Sherrington Lane before taking his dog for a walk.

He had crossed the track but is thought to have gone back on the line to retrieve his dog when they were hit by the 1.10pm South West Trains service from Bristol Temple Meads to London Waterloo, which was travelling at about 70mph.

Wiltshire Police officers from Warminster attended the scene along with officers from the British Transport Police (BTP).

A BTP spokesman said: “I can confirm that a man has died after being struck by a train on a level crossing near to Codford rail station, Wiltshire, on Wednesday.

“BTP officers attended the incident, which was reported to police at 2.17pm, along with paramedics from the Great Western Ambulance Service, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The incident is currently being treated as non-suspicious and a file will be now prepared for the coroner.”

An inquest is expected to be opened next week and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch is looking into the incident.