Rebecca Huitson was struck a 'glancing blow' by Edinburgh to London train at level crossing near Newcastle upon Tyne

This article is more than 8 years old

This article is more than 8 years old

A 12-year-old girl whose arm was severed by a high-speed train has undergone surgery to reattach it.

Rebecca Huitson was reportedly with three friends at a level crossing north of Newcastle upon Tyne when she was hit by a "glancing blow" from the Edinburgh to London train on Monday.

Her left arm was found nearby and taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, where surgeons reattached the limb.

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

"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 the effort to save her limb, Rebecca will have another operation on Friday.

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

"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.

"There do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances … This appears to be a tragic accident."