Oxfordshire has been rocked by two tragic deaths on train tracks in just one week as people across the county pay their respects. 

British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed a person had been killed on the line near Shrivenham on Thursday evening as services were severely delayed between Didcot and Swindon. 

It came just two days after emergency services raced to the railway bridge near Faringdon Road outside Wantage at around 8.30am on Tuesday.

Police cars, ambulances and fire engines were all in attendance with a person pronounced dead at the scene with emergency services remaining at the site on Tuesday morning.

A spokesperson for BTP said at the time: “Officers were called to the line near Wantage at around 8.28am following reports of a casualty on the tracks.

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Ambulances were at the scene near Wantage (file photo).Ambulances were at the scene near Wantage (file photo). (Image: Newsquest)

“Paramedics also attended, however sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”

The second death was then confirmed yesterday morning after a person was hit at around 5.50pm near the Wiltshire border with paramedics also in attendance.

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The econd incdient happened on the tracks close to Swindon Station. The second incident happened on the tracks close to Swindon Station. (Image: Newsquest) A spokesperson for Great Western Railway (GWR) said: "It is with great sadness that we report a person has been struck by a train, leading to all lines being blocked.

“It is necessary to bring all trains in the affected area to an immediate stop.”

British Transport Police (BTP) then released a statement on Friday morning confirming the fatality was not being treated as suspicious. 

A spokesperson for BTP said: “Officers were called to the line near Swindon railway station at 5.48pm yesterday (September 19) to reports of a casualty on the tracks.

“Paramedics also attended, however sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.”

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BTP were on the scene in both tragic events.BTP were on the scene in both tragic events.

An outpouring of shock and grief has been visible across the county with many paying their respects with heartfelt messages following the tragedies.

Mayor of Wantage Angela Dunford said: "This is tragic news, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victims."

Responding to the death on Thursday, Rhona Davie said: “Second in the week locally, incredibly sad.”

“This is so sad, another one locally, and my thoughts are with all affected,” added Diana Dore.

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“Sending love to those left behind, also to all services dealing with the tragedy,” said Jada Stone.

Stacey Terry also paid her respects, commenting: “So, so sad. Thoughts go out to the family. And thinking of the poor train driver who will carry this for the rest of their lives.”

Alishia Winman added: “Thoughts are with their family and friends.”

We have reached out Olly Glover, MP for Didcot and Wantage, for comment. 

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