AN inquest has heard how a 33-year-old died after being hit by a train at Rainhill station.

David Preston, of Blenheim Drive, Prescot died at around 6.30am on Tuesday, August 8 after being struck by a Liverpool-bound train which was not due to stop at the station.

The tragedy led to tributes to the dad being left across social media and people changing their profile pictures to an image of him.

At the inquest coroner's officer Kevin Farrell said that Mr Preston had "no significant medical history but had alcohol dependency".

He added that Mr Preston was last seen on Monday, August 7 at his home address and at that time "there were no concerns for for his welfare".

He was observed at Rainhill station at 6.10am walking up to the Manchester-bound platform before going to the Liverpool platform.

Mr Farrell said: "At approximately 6.30am a Liverpool-bound train entered the station. It was not due to stop and it was travelling at approximately 40 miles-per-hour.

"The driver observed the male later identified as David (and) hit the emergency break but sadly the train was unable to stop."

British Transport Police concluded there was "no third-party involvement in this tragic incident".

Toxicology reports showed alcohol in Mr Preston's system at a level to cause an "increased feeling of anxiety and restlessness" and cocaine indicating "recent use".

Coroner Christopher Sumner ruled: "There is no doubt that Mr Preston intended to take his own life. I have to record a verdict that he killed himself."