POLICE have called Preston's Miley Tunnel a potential death trap following an accident that killed a Fulwood student who fell 40ft beside the disused line on Christmas Day.
Mark Bateson, 21, spent Christmas Eve at Tokyo Jo's nightclub, Church Street, in the city, before falling over a low wall set back from the footpath off St Peter's Street, near the Miley Tunnel.
His death has devastated his family, according to Detective Inspector Joe Kellet, who is heading the joint investigation between Preston CID and British Transport Police.
Two years ago a soldier plunged into the tunnel nearby and broke both his legs. He was rescued after alerting the emergency services on his mobile phone.
Now Mr Kellet is currently researching other accidents that have occurred at the scene.
He said: "It's a potential death trap for the unwary. We are preparing a report for Preston coroner, Howard McCann, who in turn, may raise the issue of the dangers of this area, in respect of this particular investigation."
Inspector John Vernon, of Preston Transport Police, said: "We have conducted a survey of the area and any recommendations that come out of that will be made to the rail authorities.
"In this case it was a death trap, but people would have to climb to get in the area."
Police are also appealing for witnesses who may have seen Mark on Christmas Eve and are searching CCTV footage.
He went to Tokyo Jo's with a work mate from Apollo 2000, Ribbleton Lane, where he had a part-time job.
He was seen talking to a blonde-haired girl before he left at 10.30pm and then had a short conversation with the doorman, before heading off across the flag market and Friargate.
He is believed to have crossed Ringway and walked towards Kendal Street roundabout.
It is thought he stopped to get a take-away from either Tandoori Nights or Mick's Curry Pot on Friargate, as there is a 20 minute break before the cameras pick an image up again.
Anyone with any information can call Preston Police on 203203.
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