Tube death 'may be murder'

The death of a 25-year-old man who plunged in front of a rush-hour Tube train at Earl's Court station is being treated as a possible murder.

The victim and a 17-year-old friend ended up on the tracks after a group of youths were involved in a "dispute" on the crowded eastbound Piccadilly line platform at 4.12pm yesterday.

Despite the driver braking, the train struck both of them. The 25-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

The teenager was seriously injured and was taken to the Royal London Hospital where he remained today. Both men are thought to be students.

British Transport Police were today examining CCTV footage from the station which shows the group involved in a "scuffle" but is said to be inconclusive.

They have not been able to establish whether the group were involved in a fight or were fooling about.

Senior sources have told the Evening Standard that the incident does not look like an accident, a fall or a suicide.

It is believed that all those involved in the disturbance were part of the same group.

A British Transport Police spokesman said three men were arrested at 6pm yesterday and were being questioned.

The spokesman added: "There were four or five youths involved on the platform before it happened.

"We are not sure whether it was play-fighting or how the whole thing happened but believe there was a dispute."

One commuter said: "It's absolutely tragic. I heard one guy say that these kids were running up and down the platform jumping on and off the Tube. He said it looked as if they were chasing each other."

Police were conducting an appeal for witnesses at the station today.

Anyone who was on the platform or train at the time of the incident is asked to contact BTP on 020 7391 5275.