A MAN was today fighting for his life after his arm was ripped off by a speeding train.

The 24-year-old victim from Crawley is in intensive care at St George's Hospital, Tooting.

He is also suffering internal injuries and burns after he fell onto the electrified track at the scene of the incident, close to Earlswood Station, near Redhill.

British Transport Police are investigating the possibility the man had been spraying graffiti at the time of the accident, late on Monday.

A bag containing spray cans was found nearby.

Another man in his early twenties was arrested at the scene and was being questioned by police last night. Police say he is suffering from shock.

Police spokesman Simon Lubin confirmed the injured man was hit by a high-speed Thames Train service travelling between Reading and Gatwick Airport.

He added: "He is in a very critical condition at the moment and investigations are still continuing."

Police were last night still trying to trace members of the man's family to tell them about the accident.

The driver was unaware of the incident at the time and the train did not stop.

A spokesman for Thames Trains said: "This is tragic for the young man and his family.

"Apart from anything else, the shock of such an incident is terrible.

"However, it does point up the dangers of trespassing on property where there is fast-moving transport, whether it is rail or road.

"People must realise it is a highly dangerous activity and, as in this instance, can have tragic results."

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