Mitchell Rodgers: First pictures of tragic schoolboy killed by train while being followed by police

The 16-year-old had been spoken to by officers moments before he was struck by the train near Belper railway station in Derbyshire

hese are the first pictures of a tragic schoolboy who died after being struck by a train as he was followed by police officers. Read more after cut


Mitchell Rodgers was hit by the passing train near Belper railway station in Derbyshire on Saturday night and died at the scene .

It is understood Mitchell had been spoken to about an incident in the town centre along with other teenagers and police say he was being followed 'from a distance away' by officers.

Mitchell's death has now been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission but Derbyshire Police and relatives of the teenager have said they believe the incident was a 'tragic accident'.

His uncle Chris Smith wrote on Facebook: "My nephew didn't take his own life.

"It was an accident.

"He was a great 16-year-old lad."

DCI Julian Wilson said: "We don't believe it was a deliberate act.

"We are investigating it as a tragic accident."


Meanwhile a flood of tributes have been left by friends and family on social media to the 'lovely lad made so many people smile'.

Stephanie Shaw said: "Taken to soon!

"You will be missed by many!"

Verity Adams added: "RIP Mitch, thoughts are with your friends and especially your family."

Mitchell, a keen skateboarder, was a pupil at the John Flamsteed Community School in Denby.

A fundraising page has been set up online to raise money to pay for the popular teenager's funeral.



His sister Shannon wrote on Facebook: "We really appreciate everything that's being done for Mitch.

"It's lovely how much everyone can pull together."

A Derbyshire Police spokeswoman said: "Shortly after the officers arrived, a collision occurred between a male and a train close to Belper train station.

"The man was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene. Derbyshire Constabulary is now preparing a file for the coroner.

"The force has also referred itself to the Independent Police Complaints Commission."