Family help identify man, 85, hit by train

Family members have helped to identify a man who was killed when struck by a train in the Bay of Plenty at the weekend, police said today.

He was an 85-year-old resident of Mt Maunganui, where the incident occurred yesterday.

Police said he was reported missing by his family last night.

His name had not yet been released.

The man was killed on a straight stretch of rail track near Maunganui Rd about 12.40pm.

No vehicles were involved and the incident was not at a level crossing.

Tauranga Senior Sergeant Rob Glencross said early witness accounts suggested the man stepped in front of the train without looking.

- NZPA