A man who was killed in a collision with a tram was a patient at a nearby psychiatric hospital, the M.E.N. understands.

Police closed Prestwich Metrolink station for several hours after the 33-year-old was struck at around 1.30pm this afternoon.

Paramedics were called to the crash but the man was declared dead at the scene. His next-of-kin have been informed.

The M.E.N understands he was a patient at nearby Prestwich Hospital, which is run by Greater Manchester West Mental Health Trust.

Stunned passengers and shoppers watched on as the area was sealed off and 10 police cars and vans, three fire engines and three ambulances descended on the scene within minutes.

Eye-witness Patricia Forbes, 68, said: “I was just arriving to catch a tram into town and within seconds the whole area was shut down and we were told we’d have to go elsewhere.

“They were taking lots of cutting gear and wooden boards up onto the platform and everyone was worried as it seemed like a serious incident.”

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A Greater Manchester Police spokesman confirmed officers were called to Prestwich Metrolink at 1.30pm on Bank Holiday Monday, and that a 33-year-old man was declared dead at the scene.

Trams between Bury and Altrincham and Abraham Moss were halted and bus replacements were used while the recovery work was carried out.

The spokesman added that anyone with information should call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4742.

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