A MAN is fighting for his life in hospital after being struck by a train at a level crossing.

The 27-year-old victim reportedly walked past queuing traffic and around a barrier moments before being hit at Ardrossan Harbour, North Ayrshire, shortly before 7pm on Tuesday.

Shocked onlookers rushed to help the man, including a driver who climbed under the halted train and attempted to administer first aid.

A belt and a police baton were then used to make a tourniquet before paramedics took over at the scene and the victim, who is said to have lost his leg, was rushed to Crosshouse Hospital.

A spokesman for British Transport Police (BTP) said: "A 27-year-old man was struck by a train at Ardrossan Harbour level crossing just before 7pm on Tuesday.

"He was taken by ambulance to Crosshouse Hospital with very serious leg injuries. His condition was described as critical but stable."

The spokesman added that officers are not treating the incident as suspicious and an inquiry is to be held by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch.

The latest incident comes after a high profile safety campaign by BTP and Network Rail, highlighting the dangers of level crossings.

The 'Operation Look' campaign showed that 337 motorists failed to obey warning lights or lowering barriers at level crossings in Scotland last year.

As part of the campaign, BTP stationed safety vehicles with automatic number plate recognition cameras at crossings to catch dangerous drivers in the act.

Last year a 14-year-old suffered extensive burns when he threw something at high voltage overhead railway track cables in Ardrossan.