THE family of a Burnley man found dead by a railway line have appealed for the public’s help in tracing his final movements.

Liam Thompson, 20, was last seen alive celebrating with friends on New Year’s Eve.

MORE TOP STORIES:

He was found next to the railway line near Towneley level crossing, Hufling Lane, Burnley, shortly before 8.30am on Friday and pronounced dead at the scene.

British Transport Police have launched an investigation into his death, which is not being treated as suspicious, and have asked anyone who saw him in the hours prior to his body being discovered to come forward.

Detective Inspector Glen Alderson, of the British Transport Police, said: “Our officers are now working to find out what happened in the hours leading up to Liam’s death as we seek to give his loved ones as much information as possible about how he died.

“We know he was last seen just before midnight in Burnley town centre where he was out celebrating with friends.

“Liam’s family have released a photo and are appealing for anyone who may have seen him from just before midnight until the early hours of New Year’s Day when he was discovered to come forward.

“They just need to know how he ended up by the tracks, and I would urge anyone who can help us give them the answers they need to contact us.”

A BTP spokesman said Mr Thompson’s body was discovered by a train driver as his vehicle passed by.

The spokesman said: “The driver of a Leeds to Blackpool North service saw the body at the Towneley level crossing and immediately contacted emergency services.

“Sadly the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Investigations are continuing to find out how the man came to be at the crossing.

“In due course a file will be passed on the the Coroners’ office.”

Anyone with information can call BTP on 0800 40 50 40 or text the force on 61016 quoting reference 236 of 1/1/2016.

Alternatively, information can also be given to the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.