Police linking deaths of woman in car and man on rail track

Police have launched a murder investigation after a woman was stabbed to death and a young man died at a railway track near Pangbourne, Berkshire.

Thames Valley Police (TVP) said the woman, 56, was found with a stab wound inside a Lexus on the A340 Tidmarsh Road at the junction with Flower’s Hill on Thursday.

Police were called at about 5.45pm. She received medical attention but died at the scene.

TVP and British Transport Police were alerted at 6.15pm to the discovery of a man on a railway track near Pangbourne. The man, 18, died at the scene, police said.

TVP believe the deaths are linked and say they are not looking for anyone else in connection with them.

Detective Superintendent Kevin Brown, head of the major crime unit, said: “We have launched a murder investigation after the death of a woman near Flower’s Hill, Pangbourne, and the associated discovery of a deceased man at Pangbourne railway station.

“Firstly, I would like to send my condolences on behalf of the force to loved ones of both at this extremely difficult time.

Empty platforms at Pangbourne station (James Street/PA)

“We are in the very early stages of this complex investigation, but we are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with either death.

“We are still investigating but are treating the two deaths as linked; we are keeping an open mind as to the circumstances of each. There is no wider threat to the public from these sad and tragic incidents.”

He  added: “After initial significant disturbance to the roads and railway network both scenes have been released and normal transport arrangements for both have resumed. I would like to say thank you to those affected for your patience.

“Members of the public are likely to see an increased police presence while we continue to investigate and we would advise anyone with any concerns to please speak to one of our uniformed officers.”

Neither victim has been formally identified but their next of kin have been informed, a force spokesman said.

TVP have asked anyone with information about the deaths to call 101 or make a report on its website, quoting reference number 43240005369.