Metro Radio

The body of a man hit by a Metro train on Friday, January 13th has finally been identified by Northumbria Police, nearly 2 weeks after his death.

The man's been named as Matthew John Thornton, aged 45 and from Skipton, North Yorkshire - His body was found on the tracks between Felling and Heworth and he had no ID on him whatsoever but £700 in cash in his wallet

Matthew had been reported missing from home on 22 January 2012, however he had not been seen for over a week prior to his reported disappearance.

Chief Inspector Mark Warcup of Gateshead Area Command said:

"Our thoughts are very much with Mr Thornton's family at this very difficult time. We offer our sincere condolences to them and his friends."

"I would like to express my sincere thanks to the public and media for their support over the past two weeks, during what has been an extremely difficult identification process."

It is believed there was no third party involvement and a report has been prepared for the coroner.

Officers from Skipton police are working closely with Mr Thornton's family during this difficult period.