A WOMAN had an amazing escape after being run over by a train. She suffered a broken arm and spinal injuries after apparently walking out in front of the train on Sunday afternoon.

The 49-year-old had a history of mental illness, according to police. The 13.05pm service from London Victoria was slowing on its approach to Gillingham station and travelling at 10-15mph.

A spokesman for Medway ambulance service said: "She was on the tracks and she walked in front of the train. It was slowing down to come into the station.

"After examining the front of the train I would say she had a miraculous escape. If it had been going at its normal speed she would have been picked up by the front of the train and would almost certainly have been killed, but at this speed the train went over her instead."

Two ambulance crews from Medway station and a Green Goddess crew battled for almost an hour to free her.

Medway ambulance staff praised the efforts of the Green Goddess crew who attended. A spokesman said: "They helped out when they were needed."

British Transport Police said: "The driver sounded his horn when he saw the woman at which point she walked out in front of the train."