A man struck by a train on a level crossing between Manor Road and Hoylake stations has died of his injuries.

Emergency services were called to the scene at Melrose Avenue at around 2pm on Sunday.

A British Transport Police spokesman said this afternoon: "A 51-year-old man who was struck by a train at a foot crossing in Hoylake at the weekend has died.

"Our officers responded to the incident at 2.09pm on Sunday, April 3.

“Colleagues from Merseyside Police and North West Ambulance Service also attended, and the man was taken to hospital where he later died on Wednesday, April 6.

“The incident is not being treated as suspicious.”

A file has been sent to the coroner.

Wirral Globe:

Emergency services at the scene on Sunday

The Melrose Avenue crossing has often been criticised as unsafe and has been the scene of several tragic incidents.

In January, 2008, Hoylake man Clive Hanlon died from multiple injuries after being hit by the 2.36pm West Kirby to Liverpool train on the crossing.

An inquest held at Wallasey Town Hall found Mr Hanlon - known locally as "Clivo" - died as the result of an accident.

In July, 2007, a local woman was killed by a train while walking her dog across the tracks near Manor Road station.

And in 2000, a young boy was knocked down and killed as he used the Melrose crossing.

In 1999 Railtrack - now known as Network Rail - spent £40,000 improving safety at Melrose Avenue.

Improvements included installation of a new non-slip surface, improved signage and new gates were realigned to shorten the distance across the track.

Contractors also cut back vegetation to aid visibility and removed a section of the electrified third rail for safety reasons.

The work was carried out following a campaign by Hoylake councillor Gerry Ellis.

Wirral Globe:

Cllr Gerry Ellis at the Melrose Avenue crossing in 2007

Councillor Ellis said: “There have been so many tragedies at this crossing over the years and something needs to be done.

“Network Rail announced plans to close that level crossing and install a footbridge, but this was about two years ago and nothing has happened since.

“At the time there was a lot of public objection to a bridge plan.

"People in Harrington Avenue were opposed to it, because they would not be able to get to their homes.

“We are asking Network Rail to look at what options are available to prevent further tragedies.”