A 40-YEAR-OLD man who had been suffering from depression was killed by a speeding train the day after his daughter's 6th birthday.

An inquest at Preston was told that Damian Wood, of Duxbury Hall Road, Chorley, was identified from personal belongings. He died of multiple injuries.

Mr Frederick Wood, also of Duxbury Hall Road, said his son, who was in the building trade, had taken drugs as a teenager and had had treatment. He was still on medication.

He said it was felt that the medication contributed to Damian's depression. "He was very withdrawn. It ended up he did not want to do anything," said Mr Wood.

Mr Wood said Damian's daughter was six on April 12 and they had a party for her. At 7.10am the following morning his son rode off on his bike and never returned.

Later that day two police officers showed him personal items which he identified as Damian's.

Ian Turner, who was driving the 6.21am Stockport to Blackpool train on April 13 left Adlington station at around 7.07am. Half a mile along the line he saw someone on the footbridge facing him and looking at him.

"As I got nearer the bridge he moved from my side to the other side of the bridge. I saw this person come down head first with his back to me," said Mr Turner.

The jury returned a verdict that while the balance of Mr Wood's mind was disturbed he killed himself.