A TEENAGER who fell from a viaduct at Durham railway station had sent text messages to a friend stating that he was considering taking his own life.

Orrin Douglas Walker, 16, of Durham, died following the fall in the early hours of Saturday, January 4, this year.

He was spotted on CCTV on the station’s southbound platform around midnight on Friday, January 3, before he walked out towards the viaduct, where he fell to his death.

County Durham coroner Andrew Tweddle, at an inquest in Crook into the death, recorded a verdict of suicide.

Detective Sergeant Joanne Long, of Durham CID, told the inquest that Orrin had been at home with his parents on January 3.

He then headed out to socialise in Durham with his friends and the group enjoyed a meal. Orrin then left his friends and headed to the railway station.

Det Sgt Long said that Orrin had sent texts to a friend in the past which hinted at taking his own life.

He had also sent some messages to people on January 3 which were clearer in stating that he intended to die.

The alarm was raised by a resident living under the viaduct.

Tests revealed no drink or drugs in the youngster’s system and he did not leave a suicide note.