Man killed by train after escaping vehicle on way to court

A man in his 40s died after escaping from a custody vehicle that was transporting him to court. The incident occurred near Welwyn North railway station, police confirmed.

The man reportedly fled the transport contractor's vehicle while it was stationary on the A1(M) motorway. British Transport Police (BTP) were called to the railway line shortly before 09:40 BST following reports of a casualty. Formal identification of the man has not yet taken place, but his family has been informed.

Hertfordshire Police stated the vehicle had departed from the custody suite at Stevenage police station. During an altercation within the van, two members of the transport contractor staff sustained injuries. They were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has been referred the incident. A file is being prepared for the coroner, and investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the man's death and escape. National Rail reported earlier train service delays, though the line has since reopened with residual disruptions expected.