Train victim's identity still a mystery

Police have issued this photo of the man struck by a train in Levin on Friday night in the hope someone will recognise him. Photo / Supplied

Police have released photographs of a man critically injured when stuck by a train in Levin as a "last resort" in an effort to identify him.

The man, believed to be a European in his 50s or 60s, lost an arm and leg when he was hit by the train at Levin Railway Station last Friday night. Despite extensive inquiries police have so far been unable to find out who he is.

Police Central District spokeswoman Kim Perks said they received a dozen calls from the public after an illustration of the man was broadcast on the 6pm television news yesterday, with upwards of 50 calls by the end of the night.

"There's been a huge response from people suggesting who it might be, but nothing's leapt out as being the obvious one," she said.

Detective Brenda Kelly said it had now been five days and police decided to release photos.

"We've held off issuing photos as long as possible," Ms Kelly said. "If there are family out there we appreciate it could be upsetting to see a loved one pictured in these circumstances, but it has been five days now since he was injured and it is so important that we find out who he is."

But the photos might not necessarily be recognisable because of the trauma the man had suffered and the medication he was now on, Ms Kelly said.

Police describe the man as clean-shaven with freckled skin and grey hair with darker flecks through the back.

He was 1.7m tall and 90-100kg in weight, stocky but not overweight, with dentures. He was wearing light blue denim jeans, a blue bomber style jacket with a zip front, a lumberjack type shirt with a dark green check on a light cream background, grey socks, black loafer-style shoes and a black beanie hat with a silver fern symbol on the front.

He was found with a pair of prescription sunglasses and some money, but no wallet.

Anyone who may have found a wallet that could help identify the man is urged to contact police, Ms Perks said.

In the ambulance he said the name "Alan", although it is not known whether that is his name or someone else he was referring to.

"We don't want people just to assume that's his name because he mentioned it, because we don't really know why he mentioned it.

"He was obviously in a very poor condition at the time. We don't know whether it's something he said in delirium or whether he was calling someone, or if he was saying his own name."

People have been asked to check on the welfare of family members and friends and neighbours.

Although the crash happened in Levin, the man could be from anywhere.

Police have not yet determined how he got on the tracks.

"We're still asking for people that may have seen anything, either on the train or on the platform."

The man is unconscious and on life support in a serious but stable condition in Palmerston North Hospital.

- NZPA, NZ HERALD STAFF