A pensioner who was killed on a railway line near Warminster, while trying to rescue his dog, has been named.

Retired estate agent Michael Hardy, had only lived in Codford for a few weeks when the tragic accident happened on Wednesday at about 2.15pm.

The 71-year-old who had moved to the village with his wife from Wokingham, had parked his car at Sherrington Lane, Codford before taking his dog for a walk.

He had crossed Sherrington Lane crossing and is thought to have gone back on to the line to retrieve his dog when he was struck by the South West Trains 1.10pm Bristol Temple Meads to London Waterloo service, which was going at about 120mph.

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

An inquest is expected to be opened next week.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch are looking into the incident.