A 40‑year‑old man escaped from a police custody van on the A1(M) motorway near Welwyn North railway station and was killed by an oncming train shortly after.. The incident unfolded around 9 am on a busy morning, prompting a joint response from Hertfordshire Police and British Transport Police.

Custody van fight triggers escape at 9 am on the A1(M)

According to Hertfordshire Police,a confrontation erupted inside the custody van as it travelled from Stevenage police station, prompting the detainee to break free when the vehicle stopped on the motorway. two transport‑contractor staff members were injured during the altercation and taken to hospital, the police statement said.

Man’s body found on tracks at 9:45 am near Welwyn North

British Transport Police officers arrived at the scene and located the victim’s body on the railway line just south of Stevenage at 9:40 am, with the discovery confirmed at 9:45 am. The line, used by Thameslink, LNER and Great Northern services, was temporarily closed, causing delays across routes to London, Hertfordshire, Peterborough and Cambridgeshire.

Rail operators issue alerts and resume service

Thameslink confirmed that one of its trains struck the man and advised passengers to check routes for possible cancellations.. National Rail later warned that some services might still be cancelled, though the line has since reopened.

Independent Office for Police Conduct to investigate

Hertfordshire Police has referred the death to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, noting that a coroner’s file has also been prepared. Officers remain in the area as initial investigations continue, the police spokesperson said.

Who was the detainee and what remains unknown?

The man’s identity has not yet been formally released, and the exact sequence of events leading to his escape remains under review.. Investigators are still seeking clarity on how the van was secured after the fight and why the detainee was able to reach the railway tracks.