Tributes for level crossing crash victim

Thomas Pizzey, 85, was killed at a level crossing in a 'tragic accident' Credit: Thames Valley Police

A pensioner who was killed in a fatal level crossing crash at Sandy Lane in Yarnton in Oxfordshire has been named.

Eighty-five-year-old Thomas Pizzey from Banbury was killed on Wednesday, 2 January after a car he was a passenger in, was struck by a train.

The British Transport Police and Thames Valley Police officers were called to the incident, which was reported to them at 3.40pm.

Two men were in the car, a blue Renault Kangoo, when the collision occurred. The passenger, Mr Pizzey, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 78-year-old driver of the car was taken to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, where he is being treated for his injuries. He remains in a stable condition.

Mr Pizzey's niece, Linda Mogford, paid tribute to him calling him a 'kind, generous and gentle man'.

The British Transport Police and the rail industry are continuing their inquiries into what caused the accident to happen. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch and the Office of Rail Regulation have been informed, and officers are preparing a file for the Coroner.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact the British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting background number B6/LNA of 03/01/2013.