18-year-old detained after suicide message prompted late night search of railway line

A major search operation was launched in West Wiltshire last night after a man told railway staff he was going to take his own life.

The male reportedly contacted Great Western Railway on social media after alighting a train at Westbury railway station at around 10.30pm yesterday (Saturday 23 January).

He claimed he was going to take his own life and had accessed the live tracks.

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Wiltshire Police and the British Transport Police (BTP) were immediately informed. After halting trains, police deployed a drone in the area whilst awaiting support from the helicopter. Dog units were also called upon to assisting in the urgent operation.

The 18-year-old was detained by BTP officers at around 11.30pm following a thorough search of the Reading to Taunton line between Westbury and Bratton.

If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out for support. Contact the Samaritans in confidence and for free, 24 hours a day 365 days a year, on 116 123. You can also visit our page of Mental Health Helplines to view a list of relevant organisations.

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