Police search Pangbourne mansion as part of murder probe

Villagers in Pangbourne, Berkshire, have been left in shock by tragic events that began when a woman was hit and killed by a car yesterday afternoon, (January 4).

Half an hour later, at approximately 6pm, a man was struck by a train at Pangbourne station and died at the scene.

READ MORE: MURDER PROBE: Crash victim fatally stabbed as police link incident to train death

Police officers are linking the two deaths and have cordoned off a seven-bedroom detached mansion on Flowers Hill - known as "millionaire's row".

Neighbours said they rushed to help the woman but she died at the scene at the junction of Tidmarsh Road and Flowers Hill.

In a statement, a British Transport Police spokesperson said: "Officers were called to the line near Pangbourne railway station at 6.11pm yesterday (4 January) to reports of a casualty on the tracks.

"Paramedics also attended and a person was pronounced dead at the scene.

"British Transport Police are working closely with Thames Valley Police to establish the circumstances leading up to their death."

Officers are guarding a £2.5 million home in Flowers Hill following the fatal incident, and specialist search officers were at the scene earlier today.

A police cordon is also still in place at the railway station.

Thames Valley Police last night confirmed that they were dealing with two incidents in the area.

A spokesperson said: "Our officers are currently in Pangbourne dealing with two incidents.

"Road closures are in place on the A340 at the Flowers Hill and Tidmarsh Road junction following a collision involving a vehicle.

"A woman received medical treatment at the scene but sadly died.

"There has also been an incident on the railway line at Pangbourne Station.

"Because of these incidents, there are a number of road closures in place in the area, and trains are not running through the station.

"People are advised to avoid the area and to plan their journeys in advance to ensure they are not delayed.

"The exact circumstances of these incidents is currently unclear, but we will provide an update when we are in a position to do so."

The property being searched is a seven-bedroom freehold detached house spread over 5,748 square feet. It was bought by current owners in 2014 for £1.95M and is now valued at more than £2.5M.

Neighbours on the 'millionaire row' have spoken of their horror at the incidents that unfolded.

One said: "It's horrible, I can't believe what happened. We rushed out to help but the police were already here and then ambulances arrived.

"We were told to go home and they cordoned it all off."

Another neighbour said the woman who lives at the mansion with her adult children is "lovely" and that she "keeps herself to herself".

He said: "I'd always wave over when I walked past, she is a lovely woman. I hope nothing bad has happened to her.

"When we saw all the police last night it was like a horror movie scene... they were running around all over the place.

"And then we heard another person had died at the train station. It's shocking for our little quiet village. So unusual."