Teenager dies beside railway tracks

File photo / The Aucklander

Police have praised a locomotive engineer who performed CPR on a teenager discovered beside railway tracks in Wellington last night.

Detective Senior Sergeant Donna Howard said the engineer saw the teenager close to the tracks in Rangoon Street in the suburb of Khandallah shortly after 7pm.

"The locomotive engineer put on the emergency brakes of the train and went to the assistance of the teenager. Emergency services were then contacted by Kiwi Rail," she said.

Ms Howard said the locomotive engineer performed CPR on the teenager, but he died at the scene.

"Police would like to thank Kiwi Rail and the locomotive engineer whose actions last night were commendable."

Police said a post-mortem examination would be carried out later today and the name of the teenager would be released once all next of kin had been informed of his death.

No one else was being sought in relation to the incident but police asked for anyone with information to contact Police immediately on (04) 381 2000 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

- NZHERALD STAFF