POLICE have named the man struck by a Metro train as a missing person from North Yorkshire.

Matthew John Thornton, aged 45, was from Skipton, and had been reported missing from home on January 22.

He had not been seen for over a week prior to his reported disappearance and died on Friday, January 13 when he was hit by a Metro train on the stretch between Felling and Heworth stations in Gateshead.

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 no one else was involved 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.