The two people killed on Monday morning when they were hit by a train at a level crossing near Nijmegen were a mother and daughter, the AD said on Tuesday.

The women, aged 69 and 43, lived together in Groesbeek with several dogs and cats. Neighbours described them as reclusive who had little contact with others, the paper said.

Police say they think the women, who had four dogs with them at the time, deliberately stepped into the path of the train.

An eyewitness told the AD the women were waiting as the level crossing barriers came down and then disappeared as the train approached. ‘A fraction of a second later, the train driver sounded his horn and tried to brake,’ the AD said.

Both women and three of the dogs were killed instantly when the train ploughed into them.

The driver, people on the train and eyewitnesses are being offered specialist victim support.

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