Morley girl killed by train trying to rescue dog

Natasha was an only child

A 16-year-old girl died when she was hit by a train as she tried to retrieve her dog from the tracks.

British Transport Police said Natasha Elliott was hit just outside Morley station in Leeds on Sunday.

She was believed to be trying to get her dog from the tracks when she was hit by the 1752 BST York to Blackpool North Northern Rail service.

Police said Natasha, a pupil at Morley High School, was taken to hospital but later died. The dog was not killed.

A British Transport Police spokesman said: "Our thoughts are with Natasha's family and friends at this difficult time.

She was a wonderful person with a cheeky smile and a mischievous sense of humour John Townsley, Morley High head teacher

"The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file will now be prepared for the coroner."

Morley High School head teacher John Townsley said: "Natasha was a much loved and admired member of the school.

"She was a wonderful person with a cheeky smile and a mischievous sense of humour.

"Natasha was looking forward to going to sixth form and had a fantastic life in front of her.

"Her death is a profound loss to the community and we will all miss her immensely."