Inquest opened after death of man struck by train at Holmes Chapel station

An inquest has been opened into the death of 69-year-old Philip Watts, who died after being struck by a train at Holmes Chapel railway station on December 11. Mr Watts, who was born in Manchester and lived in Holmes Chapel, died at the scene of the incident.

The brief hearing was held at Warrington Coroner’s Court, where it was confirmed that the case will proceed to a full inquest because the death was deemed to have occurred in unnatural circumstances. The matter has now been adjourned to allow further enquiries to be completed.

Details presented to the court stated that Mr Watts was hit by a train near the station on December 11. A coroner officer told the hearing that additional investigative work remains ongoing ahead of the scheduled inquest date.

The senior coroner for Cheshire, Jacqueline Devonish, confirmed that the inquest would be opened and continued at a later date.

Jacqueline Devonish, senior coroner for Cheshire, said:

“On the evidence that I have heard, I am satisfied that Philip Watts will require an inquest. I shall therefore formally open an inquest and adjourn it to be heard on June 11. There will be an internal review by the coroner on May 4.”

British Transport Police previously confirmed that emergency services attended the scene following reports of a casualty on the tracks shortly after 9pm on December 11. Officers said the incident was not being treated as suspicious and that a file had been prepared for the coroner.

Following the incident, a British Transport Police spokesman said:

“Officers were called to a report of a casualty on the tracks just after 9pm on Thursday, December 11. The incident occurred near to Holmes Chapel railway station. Officers and paramedics attended but, sadly, a person was pronounced deceased. The incident is not thought to be suspicious, and a file was prepared for the coroner.”

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