Surgeons save girl's severed arm

A 12-year-old girl's arm severed by a high-speed train has been reattached by surgeons.

Rebecca Huitson was reportedly with three friends at a level crossing just north of Newcastle when she was dealt a "glancing blow" by the Edinburgh to London train on Monday.

Her left arm was found nearby and taken to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary, where surgeons attempted to reattach the limb.

Michael Schenker, a consultant plastic surgeon at the hospital, 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."

In an ongoing effort to save the limb, Rebecca will undergo another operation tomorrow.

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."

PA