Appeal For Information After Dogs Hit By Train In Saxilby

We are appealing for information after one, maybe two dogs died when they were hit by a train at a level crossing in Saxilby.

We are appealing for information after fox hounds died as they ran back and forth across tracks as a train crossed the bridge over Sykes Lane, Saxilby.

Shortly after 2pm, on Wednesday 3 December 25, an East Midlands train travelling between Lincoln and Doncaster crossed the bridge over Sykes Lane at Saxilby; the train was travelling at an approximate speed of 65mph.

The driver had noticed movement ahead of the train at the crossing. As the train got closer, maybe a couple of hundred metres away, the driver was able to see there were dogs on the track. He applied the emergency brakes and sounded the trains horn continuously.

There were around 20 dogs, maybe more running back and forth across the tracks. Some of the dogs ran towards the train, several dogs were between the rails and some ran to the sides of the train. The dogs were fox hounds. It is understood there was a horse rider, maybe connected to a hunt, seen nearby.

One, maybe two dogs were hit by the train. The train came to a stop just after the crossing.

The Investigating Officer, PC Card, from the Rural and Wildlife Crime Team, British Transport Police, is appealing for witnesses or information relating to the incident. Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Card by email at shaun.card@btp.police.uk or by calling 07741604628.