December 7, 2012 5.32 pm This story is over 135 months old

Family tributes for Lincoln teenager killed on railway

Tributes: The family of the schoolboy killed by a train in Lincoln have left a tribute to the teenager.

The family of the teenage boy who died struck by a train on Thursday, December 6 have paid their tributes.

Alex Isherwood (14) died when he was hit by a train at the Ballast Hole foot crossing near Doddington Road at around 8.50am.

British Transport Police, Lincolnshire Police and emergency services attended the incident, which is not classed as suspicious.

In a statement issued today through British Transport Police, Alex’s family said: “Alex was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome two years ago and found it difficult to overcome.

“He was a very special boy to all of us and had great expectations. He was loved by his family and we will all miss him greatly.

“We have been overwhelmed by the response and would like to thank everyone for their kind messages of sympathy and support.

“I’d also like to thank the staff at Pilgrim Hospital for their support over the past two years, helping Alex to be himself.

“We would ask that we can be left now to grieve in private during this difficult time for the family.”

A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesman said: “BTP officers were called to the railway line near Doddington Road in Lincoln on Thursday, 6 December after a report of a boy having been struck by a train.

“The incident was reported to BTP at 8.51am and was also attended by Lincolnshire Police also attended.

“The boy has now been formally identified as Alexander Isherwood, aged 14 from Lincoln.

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

Plans by Network Rail to close the Ballast Hole foot crossing and build a path to Doddington Road level crossing were recently rejected by Lincolnshire County Council.

Network Rail believe that the crossing is a safety concern after a number of near misses and one other death in the past 10 years.

However, after receiving a number of objections from residents, it’s believed extra levels of safety could be applied to the crossing instead, such as barriers when a train is oncoming.