A train was damaged when it struck an animal on the railway in Swindon last night.
The Great Western Railway service came to a screeching halt on the line running alongside Moulden View housing estate after the incident at 10.45pm yesterday (2 January).
Wiltshire 999s understands a large deer involved in the collision was killed as a result.
The passenger train would have been travelling between Cheltenham Spa and Swindon, passing the rear of Moulden Hill Country Park at the time of the impact.
Local residents reported hearing a loud horn sounding for several seconds prior to the train coming to a halt.
This indicates the driver attempted to scare the animal off the tracks before performing an emergency stop – though this wouldn’t have prevented the collision.
Following an inspection, it was found the train has suffered only minor damage and was allowed to move forward.
Passengers were delayed for a short time but alighted at Swindon as planned — where the service terminated.
