Train couple 'died accidentally'

Jean Hoggart had been crossing the line with her seven-year-old grandson

A woman who was killed crossing a railway line with her grandson in Nottinghamshire died accidentally, an inquest jury has ruled.

Jean Hoggart, 58, and Mikey Dawson, seven, were struck crossing the track near Bestwood Village on 22 November.

Nottingham Coroners' Court was told a tram had passed the passenger crossing just moments before.

A witness told the hearing the crossing was badly lit and that it was difficult to tell when a train was coming.

'Over in milliseconds'

Giving evidence, the train's driver told the hearing how Mrs Hoggart turned around in horror as his train approached at more than 60mph.

Ian Morden, a member of the public who saw the accident, just at after 1820 GMT, told the jury: "There was a train at high speed, but I didn't see it coming. It was over in milliseconds.

"The train was there and, when it had passed, there was a bang and there was no-one there.

"I went across the line and saw two people lying there and I rang the emergency services."

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The pair were killed crossing the Robin Hood Line in Bestwood village