Teenager dies in train accident

An ambulance arrives at the scene of the train accident

A teenager has died in a train accident in County Down.

Andrew James Fisher, 17, from Bangor, fell under a moving train at Helen's Bay railway station on Friday just before 2300 BST.

Ambulance and fire crews were called to the scene, however, he died a short time later, having suffered serious leg and head injuries.

It is understood that he had been at the station with friends.

It is thought that he was waving to someone on the train when he fell.

On Saturday, friends of the teenager gathered to lay flowers at the place where he died.

His friend, Brian Black, was on the platform at the time of the accident.

"The next thing you know a couple of my friends were screaming, 'He's gone under the train, I saw Fisher go under the train there'," he said.

"I was with him every day of my life. I worked with him. I was in tech with him in geography class and I was down here every night.

"He was one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet."

I was with him every day of my life - I worked with him, I was in tech with him in geography class and I was down here every night Brian Black

PSNI Inspector Michael Currie said it was a tragic accident.

"The Belfast bound train stopped and whenever it moved off again, the boy fell under the train and was tragically killed.

"At this point in time, our thoughts are with the family and we extend our deepest sympathy to them. They are in a terrible state of shock at the moment."

Inspector Currie added: "I cannot emphasise enough the dangers which exist at railway halts. We would encourage all young people to stay away from them. Do not socialise at them. They are not a place for socialising or hanging around."

In a statement, Northern Ireland railway company, Translink, said its thoughts were with the bereaved family. The company said a full investigation would be carried out.

The SDLP representative for North Down, Liam Logan, said the boy's death was tragic.

"No words will ever express our great sadness and shock at losing a young and energetic life in such tragic circumstances. All my thoughts and prayers are with the young boy's family at this very difficult time," Mr Logan said.

Ulster Unionist Party councillor Diana Peacocke said she extended her sympathy to the family of the dead teenager.

"One can only imagine the shock and distress that every member must be going through at this very traumatic time," she said.