A DRUNK homeless man died after being hit by a train at Marks Tey Station, an inquest has heard.

Daniel Whyte, of no fixed address, was hit by a maintenance service whilst on the tracks at the station, where it is believed he was attempting to catch a train to his brother's home in Sudbury.

The 45-year-old had alcohol and drug issues and after his death he was found to have 444 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine - more than four times the drink drive limit.

He also had a history of drug-induced psychosis and was known to Suffolk and Norfolk's mental health services.

An inquest exploring his death took place at Chelmsford Coroner's Court on Thursday.

Coroner's officer Kirsty Roberts said: "Mr Whyte was struck by a train which was travelling between Colchester and Kelvedon at Marks Tey Station.

"It was travelling at between 25 and 30 miles and hour. Paramedics attended but death was confirmed at the scene at 11.53pm on February 26.

"A postmortem was carried out on March 5 by Dr Wu at Colchester Hospital. The cause of death has been given as fatal injuries and ethanol concentration.

"He was found to have 444 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine. Medicinal drugs and cocaine were also present at the time of his death."

Shaun Carroll, coroner’s enquiry co-ordinator with the British Transport Police, confirmed no suspicious circumstances were found surrounding Mr Whyte's death.

He said: "The driver saw Mr Whyte on the tracks but he could not see how he got there.

"If people intend to take their life they would normally stand at the front of the train, but there was no evidence of that.

"CCTV is very poor at Marks Tey and all it picked up was Mr Whyte's legs."

Earlier the same day Mr Whyte had visited the probation service and housing office in Colchester, but after that his movements were unknown.

Mr Carroll told the court Mr Whyte's mother said he would sometimes travel across the tracks at Marks Tey Station to get to the Sudbury branch line rather than use the overpass.

He added: "He spoke to his brother at 10.30pm that evening and told him he was on his way home.

"It is thought he may have attempted to cross the tracks and was attempting to get to the Sudbury branch line."

Senior Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray recorded an open conclusion.

She said: "I have considered suicide but I would have to be satisfied there was significant evidence to show he took a deliberate action and he meant to end his life.

"I have also considered an accident but I am going to record an open conclusion as there is not enough evidence for any other conclusion."