A STUDENT who was studying at Oxford University took his own life when he was hit by a high speed train. Joseph Sharples, 18, from Redhill in Surrey died on January 12 after being hit by a northbound train near Biggleswade station. Mr Sharples had starte

A STUDENT who was studying at Oxford University took his own life when he was hit by a high speed train.

Joseph Sharples, 18, from Redhill in Surrey died on January 12 after being hit by a northbound train near Biggleswade station.

Mr Sharples had started at St Anne's College the previous autumn.

At an inquest into his death this week Bedford coroner David Morris said that there was "no indication that he was having great difficulty" at university.

Mr Morris added that there was "no indication of any other emotional or psychological problems".

There were no drugs or alcohol in Mr Sharples' system.

A laptop and other items including Mr Sharples' driving licence were recovered near to Primrose Crossing in Biggleswade.

On the computer was a note, which included an instruction from Mr Sharples to tell the driver of the train he was sorry.

Mr Morris said: "He was a bright person. Academically he'd done very well."

A verdict that Mr Sharples took his own life was recorded.