A man in his fifties has died after trying to retrieve his dog from a railway line near Warminster.

The incident happened on a level crossing near to Codford rail station, at about 2.15pm yesterday.

The man, who has not yet been named, parked his car in Sherrington lane, Codford, before taking his dog for a walk.

The South West Trains 1.10pm Bristol Temple Meads to London Waterloo service was going at about 120mph at the time of the impact which killed the man and animal.

Police officers from Warminster Police station were first at the incident followed by officers from British Transport Police who secured the scene.

A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesperson said: “I can confirm that a man has died after being struck by a train on a level crossing near to Codford rail station, Wiltshire, on Wednesday.

"At this stage it appears the man was attempting to retrieve his dog from the tracks when he was struck by the 1.10pm Bristol Temple Meads to London Waterloo service.

“BTP officers attended the incident, which was reported to police at 2.17pm, along with paramedics from the Great Western Ambulance Service, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The incident is currently being treated as non-suspicious and a file will be now prepared for the coroner.”

An inquest is expected to be opened next week when the deceased identity will be revealed.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch are looking into the incident.