Cricket ace killed on train line after 'fleeing police'
One of England's brightest young cricket hopes, Tom Maynard, died when he stepped out on to a train track after 'fleeing' from police.
The Surrey batsman was found dead on the tracks of the District Line on the Underground network in south London. Police believe he stepped on a high-voltage rail before being struck by the first train of the day.
The 23-year-old had been playing in a Twenty20 match against Kent on Sunday afternoon but at 4.15am the next morning was stopped by Metropolitan Police Officers in his black Mercedes after it was seen being 'driven erratically'.
A police statement said Maynard fled and was not seen again until 5.03am when he was pronounced dead at the scene after a tube driver reported a body on the line.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman told the Daily Mail: "At approx 4.15am on Monday, 18 June, officers stopped a vehicle after it was seen being driven erratically in Arthur Road, SW19.
"The male driver of the vehicle - a black Mercedes C250 - made off on foot. Officers were unable to locate the man.
"At approx 5.10am the body of a man fitting the same description was found on tracks near Wimbledon Park station."
The son of former England player and coach Matthew, Tom Maynard's death has caused shock throughout the sport.
Maynard was considered one of the rising stars of English cricket and was tipped for a first senior call-up later this year.
England players, practising at Surrey's Oval ground ahead of a one-day international against West Indies, were said to be in a state of shock. The game will still go ahead but there will be a minute's silence and both teams will wear black armbands.
Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff said on Twitter: 'Tragic news that a great lad, Tom Maynard is no longer with us. All my thoughts are with his family at this awful time x x.'
Ashes-winning captain Michael Vaughan said: 'Someone with so much talent and so much to look forward too...Why is life so cruel sometimes...? He added: 'Thoughts are with Matt Maynard and his family.. Words can't describe the Terribly sad news that Tom Maynard has died aged 23...'
The death comes ten years after former Surrey cricketer Ben Hollioake was killed in a car accident in Australia and his brother Adam, a former Surrey captain, Tweeted: "I'm totally numb...brings back terrible memories....Im feeling so sad for Matthew right now :-('"
