A TEENAGE boy has had both his legs amputated after falling under a moving goods train.

Dean Hassell, 14, was in a critical condition after the incident but last night, Tuesday, as the Guardian went to press, his condition had improved and staff at Wythenshawe Hospital were hopeful he could soon be moved to a general ward.

Dean was dragged under the train's wheels at Greenall Road near Northwich Railway Station at 7.25pm on Friday.

The Hartford High School pupil and five of his friends had jumped onto the outside of the train before riding it a short distance while playing the dangerous game known as 'train surfing'.

The train had left a quarry and was on its way from Oakleigh to Tunstead. It is not clear where the boys jumped onto the slow-moving train but they tried to get off as it picked up speed outside Northwich Railway Station.

Dean lost his grip, was caught by the wheels and was dragged underneath. One leg had to be amputated at the groin while the other has been amputed below the knee.

Insp Mike Sutton, of British Transport Police, said just after the acident: "He is unconscious and his parents are by his side. This incident is an absolute tragedy for the boy and his family."

Ironically, youngsters from Rudheath High School had only just finished making a video highlighting the dangers of the railway line.

On the video, a youth is seen surfing on a train, falls off and has have a leg amputated.

Witness Alyson Heaton, whose house in Alan Street overlooks the track, said: "I heard these blood curdling screams and looked over the fence to see him lying by the side of the tracks.

"I thought why has he got a red crumpled jacket over his legs, then all these man started running to him and I realised it was his bloody, mangled legs."

Meanwhile Dr David Kirby, Hartford High School headteacher said his school's thoughts were with the family.

He said: "News of this tragic incident has deeply shocked everyone in the school community.

"Our hearts and prayers are with Dean and his family at this time. We will be sending a message directly to him in hospital from everyone at the school."

He added: "Over the next few days we shall be reinforcing the message about the dangers of railway sites to every pupil in this school.

"Counsellors from Cheshire County Council's critical incident team are available to the school if needed."

Any witnesses are urged to contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040.