Man Dies on Welwyn North Railway Line After Escaping Police Custody Van on A1(M)

A man, aged in his 40s, was killed by a train near Welwyn North railway station on Friday, following his escape from a custody vehicle on the A1(M) motorway. The incident occurred shortly after 09:00 BST.

The transport contractor's vehicle, which was stationary at the time, was en route from Stevenage police station's custody suite to court. Hertfordshire Police and British Transport Police confirmed a search for the man was underway when officers were called to a casualty on the track around 09:40 BST.

During the escape, two members of the transport contractor staff sustained injuries in an altercation within the van and required hospital treatment. While formal identification is pending, the man's family has been informed of his death.

Hertfordshire Police has referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for independent scrutiny. A file is being prepared for the coroner as inquiries continue to establish the full circumstances. Train services in the area experienced significant delays and cancellations following the incident.