HomeNewsTributes paid to man who died in Highbridge railway line incident

Tributes paid to man who died in Highbridge railway line incident

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Tributes have been paid to Shane Ponting, who was one of the two men whose bodies were found close to Highbridge railway station last week.

Mr Ponting, 34, right, was struck and killed by a passing train on the Springfield Road foot crossing last Thursday evening.

Writing on Facebook, Shane’s sister Kayla said: “Gonna miss you bro, can’t believe you’re gone. Anyone who truly knew him knew he had the kindest heart and would do anything for the people he loved.”

The other man, aged 39, was a homeless person living with friends in the Burnham area and was discovered behind a track-side building a few metres further along the rail line last Friday at 10.40am.

British Transport Police said on Monday that the deaths are not believed to be linked, despite the close timing and location. Both deaths are being treated as “unexplained”.

Det Insp Andy Irwin-Porter, of British Transport Police, said: “At this stage, as far as we are aware, there does not appear to be any connection between the two deaths or the two men involved.”

“However, inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances leading up to both incidents and we will be keeping an open mind while we continue to gather information.”

“I would ask anyone with any information which they believe could assist the investigation to contact British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016. In all calls please quote incident references 445 of 11/07/13 and 193 of 12/07/13.”

Pictured: Police at Highbridge railway station investigating the deaths

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