Train driver applauded for saving woman on tracks at Burgess Hill

The driver of the 20.42 London Bridge to Brighton service stopped as he approached Burgess Hill, left the train and comforted the woman before escorting her onto the train. The train was met by BTP officers on arrival at Brighton station.

A spokesman for Southern Railway said: “We applaud the actions of our driver last night. He acted swiftly and safely with understanding and compassion towards the person before leading her to safety - and ultimately into the hands of those who could care for her when the train reached Brighton station.”

A British Transport Police spokesman said they were informed a woman had been ‘trespassing’ on the track at Burgess Hill.

“A train driver helped the 28-year-old woman from Burgess Hill from the line, and our officers met her at Brighton station. She was taken to hospital for assessment under the Mental Health Act,” the spokesman explained.

Passenger Nigel Webster posted on Twitter: “Well done to the train driver who managed to stop someone walking on the tracks and into safe arms.”