Fox hounds hit by train in Saxilby after running across tracks
A police investigation is underway
Last updated 8th Jan 2026
Fox hounds have been hit by a train at Saxilby after they were spotted running back and forth across the tracks.
Police say the animals were hit by an East Midlands train that was going 65mph, on 3rd December.
Officers say the driver applied the emergency brakes after seeing around 20 dogs on the line, but was unable to stop in time.
It's believed that one or two hounds have died.
It's understood there was a horse rider, possibly connected to a hunt, seen nearby.
A Lincolnshire police spokesperson said, "Shortly after 2pm, on Wednesday 3 December 25, an East Midlands train travelling between Lincoln and Doncaster crossed the bridge over Sykes Lane at Saxilby; the train was travelling at an approximate speed of 65mph.
"The driver had noticed movement ahead of the train at the crossing. As the train got closer, maybe a couple of hundred metres away, the driver was able to see there were dogs on the track. He applied the emergency brakes and sounded the trains horn continuously.
"There were around 20 dogs, maybe more running back and forth across the tracks. Some of the dogs ran towards the train, several dogs were between the rails and some ran to the sides of the train. The dogs were fox hounds. It is understood there was a horse rider, maybe connected to a hunt, seen nearby.
"One, maybe two dogs were hit by the train. The train came to a stop just after the crossing."
Officers are now appealing for witnesses or anyone with information relating to the incident to contact Investigating Officer, PC Card, by emailing [email protected] or by calling 07741604628.