SURGEONS have successfully re-attached a young girl’s arm after it was severed when she was hit by a train.

Rebecca Huitson, 12, underwent surgery after being struck at a level crossing by a high speed train travelling from Edinburgh to London at 6.30pm on Monday.

The schoolgirl, from Brunswick Village, Newcastle, lost her left arm in the incident, in Dudley, North Tyneside – but the limb was found nearby and taken to hospital.

Rebecca underwent an operation on Tuesday and had more surgery yesterday.

Surgeon Michael Schenker, of Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary, said: “We were able to re-attach the arm and blood flowing to the arm was re-established.

“We took her back to theatre today and everything looks fine so far.”

He added: “I can only say at this stage it won’t be a fully working arm and there will be further surgery. Hopefully, we’ll get the arm so that Rebecca can get good use out of it.”

Her parents, Julie and Lee, have kept a bedside vigil since she was admitted to hospital.

Rebecca had been with a group of friends at the level crossing when she was struck by the East Coast Main Line train.

A 59-year-old man who lives in Bamborough Court, close to the scene of the accident, said: “I saw the blue lights and an ambulance coming into the estate.

“My wife actually went out and there were two young girls who apparently were with the injured girl.

“She asked them what happened and they said the girl had been knocked down and lost an arm.”

Alison Shaw, college principal at Seaton Burn College, the school Rebecca attends, said: “Our thoughts are with her and her family at this very difficult time.”

Northumbria Police said at this stage there does not appear to be any suspicious circumstances.

Witnesses are asked to call British Transport Police on 0800-40-50-40.