Surgeons Reattach Newcastle Girl’s Severed Arm

Surgeons from Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary have reattached the arm of a 12-year-old girl after it was severed by a high speed train.

Rebecca Huitson was reportedly with three friends at a level crossing just north of Newcastle when the high-speed Edinburgh to London train struck her.

Her arm was found near the incident location and taken to the hospital where surgeons attempted to reattach the limb.

"We were able to replant the arm, although there is still a small risk that it may fail. The patient will need further surgery," said Michael Schenker, a consultant plastic surgeon at the hospital.

"It is impossible to say at present what the final outcome will be, but we are working hard for her to have an arm with useful function in the end."

In an ongoing effort to save the limb, Huitson will undergo another operation.

A British Transport Police spokesman said the driver of the 5pm Edinburgh to London King's Cross service reported striking a person about 6.30pm on Monday near the Killingworth level crossing in Newcastle.

"British Transport Police and Northumbria Police attended and a 12-year-old local girl was found injured at the scene. She was conscious, but had suffered a severe injury to her left arm which had resulted in the severing of the limb."

He insists there was no foul play or "suspicious circumstances" surrounding the incident and it appeared to be a "tragic accident."