THIS WEEK IN 1990: Gosport woman killed by train as she tried to retrieve her dog

The woman, who was not immediately named, was believed to have been trying to retrieve her dog when she was struck by a diesel locomotive.

The engine – one of only a handful of trains which used the line every week – was returning from the Royal Navy armaments depot at Gosport.

The woman was returning from the shops when the fatal accident occurred.

She was crossing the old line a few yards north of the bridge which carried Gregson Avenue across the railway.

Witnesses said the dog strayed on to the track and the woman shooed the animal away from the train.

The driver sounded his horn but the woman was believed to have become struck as she bent forward to pull her dog clear.

A police spokesman said they were aware of the incident but were unable to release more details.

Large gaps in fencing around the railway had enabled residents to cross the line at various points.