PEOPLE in Riddlesdown have spoken of their shock after a woman and three-year-old boy were hit by a train this morning.
Emergency services were called to station at about 8.30am, but the pair were declared dead at the scene.
The train was an express service from Uckfield to London Bridge, and was not scheduled to stop at Riddlesdown.
The woman has not been named by police, but she is in her thirties and lives in the area.
The house where she had been living now has police officers posted outside.
David Frank, who lives on Mitchley Avenue, said he saw the emergency crews as he returned home from his morning run.
"I just couldn't believe it when they [the police] said what had happened," he said.
"It's unspeakably sad. People who didn't even know them were in shock, I can't imagine what their family will be going through."
Natalie Cooper, 32, said she had heard the news when she went to the chemist.
"She said the woman was local and that she'd only seen her yesterday," said Ms Cooper.
"It's just really sad, to be honest."
A man who was on the train involved described how the service stopped suddenly just as the service passed Riddlesdown.
"They said there was a trespasser on the line, but I think most people knew what had happened," said the passenger, who asked not to be named.
"There was an announcement asking for anyone who works in the emergency services to make themselves known.
"I was on the train with my neighbour, who is a fireman, and he went to help."
BTP Inspector Noel Lilly told reporters investigations were continuing.
"Our forensic teams are very professional and they followed all the correct procedures," he said.
"We are confident that everything was done that needed to be done."
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Iain Miller said: "Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the woman and child involved.
"Officers are continuing to work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident, although early indications show that no one else was believed to have been involved."
A file has been passed to the coroner.
Network Rail said the line has been reopened, but delays should be expected.
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