Suicide verdict after woman is hit by train near Exeter

Grandmother Helen Muirden stepped in front of a train near Exeter after telling her family she no longer wanted to be a "burden".

An inquest into the 67-year-old's death heard that the retired librarian, from Rewe, near Exeter, was killed instantly when she was struck by an express train near the level crossing at Stoke Canon.

Mrs Muirden lived just minutes from where she was killed in August by the Birmingham to Plymouth train, which was travelling at 100mph, and gained access to the tracks via the Sandy Lane pedestrian crossing.

In a note she left to her family, she said she "no longer wished to be a burden" and said she "loved all her family", the hearing at County Hall in Exeter was told.

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The inquest heard that Mrs Muirden had been suffering from anxiety in the months leading up to her death.

A statement from her GP said she had spoken to him on several occasions about her mental state but had never expressed any suicidal thoughts.

Mrs Muirden's husband James and their children Emma and Dan attended the inquest earlier this week.

Exeter and Greater Devon Coroner Dr Elizabeth Earland recorded a verdict of suicide.