Surgeon's Reattach North East Girl's Arm Ripped Off By Train

A 12 year old girl who's arm was torn off by a high speed train has had it reattached by surgeons in Newcastle.

Rebecca Huitson was with three friends at a level crossing in Killingworth on Monday when she was dealt a "glancing blow" by a train travelling from Edinburgh to London.

Her arm was found nearby and taken to the Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary where experts re-attached the limb.

Consultant plastic surgeon at the hosptial, Michael Schenker said, "We were able to replant the arm, although there is still a small risk that it may fail. The patient will need further surgery. It is impossible to say at present what the final outcome will be, but we are working hard for her to have an arm with useful function in the end."

Rebecca will have another operation on Friday in an ongoing effort to save the arm.

A British Transport Police spokesman said: "Shortly before 6.30pm on Monday, the driver of the 5pm Edinburgh to London King's Cross service reported striking a person near Killingworth level crossing, Newcastle.

"British Transport Police and Northumbria Police attended and a 12-year-old local girl was found injured at the scene. She was conscious, but had suffered a severe injury to her left arm which had resulted in the severing of the limb."

He added: "There do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding this incident. Police investigations continue, but this appears to be a tragic accident."