Man dies after being hit by train at East Acton Tube station after police chase as cops launch probe
A MAN has died after being hit by a Tube train during a police chase, prompting an investigation.
Cops confirmed the tragedy occurred near East Acton station in West London at around 8.35pm yesterday.
Officers were pursuing a car when it smashed into another vehicle.
The occupants then leapt out and fled on foot.
A man was then found fatally injured on the nearby train tracks.
The driver of the other car was hospitalised “as a precaution”.
An urgent hunt has been launched for the suspects involved in the chase.
Local tradesman Mike Hill, 54, told the Evening Standard: “I heard a commotion and looked out and there was a police helicopter with a spotlight lighting up the tracks.
“I can’t tell you how many police there were, there were loads of them.
“There was a grey VW totally smashed up with the airbag out. The police search was definitely focused on the tracks.”
A police cordon remains in place at the scene, while the VW estate was towed away this morning after suffering severe damage.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “At about 8.35pm on Monday, 21 August, officers on patrol attempted to stop a vehicle on Du Cane Road.
“The vehicle failed to stop and subsequently collided with a car. Multiple occupants from the suspect vehicle fled the scene on foot.
“A short time later, a male was seen close to tracks before being struck by a train close to East Acton Underground Station. He has been pronounced dead at the scene.”
Cops are appealing for witnesses as they work to establish the deceased man’s identity.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the force on 101.
Those who wish to make an anonymous report can call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.