Police will not be investigated over the death of cricketer Tom Maynard, who was killed by a train after he ran away from officers.

The player, who had been widely tipped as a future England international, was struck near Wimbledon Park station on the London Underground District Line shortly after 5am yesterday.

The Cardiff-born cricketer was the son of former England and Glamorgan batsman Matthew Maynard.

It is thought he may have been trying to escape police shortly before his death.

The IPCC said it has assessed the incident, and referred it back to Scotland Yard because the pursuing officers had lost sight of Maynard and had no further contact with him before his death.

About 50 minutes passed between the start of the police chase and Maynard being hit by the train on Monday morning.

An IPCC statement said: ”The IPCC has assessed the referral from the Metropolitan Police Service regarding the death of a 23-year-old man.

”The police evidence is that at 4.13am officers saw a car being driven erratically which they followed.

”The driver then decamped and after a short chase on foot, officers lost sight of him and had no further contact. The man appears to have been hit by a train at 5.04am.

”In the circumstances the IPCC has referred this matter back to the MPS. British Transport Police will prepare a file for the Coroner.”

The family of the Surrey county cricketer have spoken of their grief, describing his death as a “devastating blow.”

A statement issued by the family of the 23-year-old cricketer thanked well-wishers for the many messages of support they had received.

“The Maynard family would like to thank everyone for the many messages of support following Tom’s tragic death in London yesterday morning,” they said.

“As you can appreciate, the news has come as a devastating blow and although the family is grateful for all the kind messages of sympathy, we would ask that we can be left to grieve in private at this very difficult and sad time for us.”

Maynard’s girlfriend, model Carly Baker, wrote on Twitter: “My beautiful boyfriend Tom Maynard, I can’t cope with this. I love you always and forever. You meant everything to me

“We will always be together. I love you Tom X.”

She added: “You’re the most special man I have ever met. You made me the happiest girl. I love you always X.”

Officers tried to pull over a black Mercedes, which was being driven “erratically”, but the driver ran off. Maynard’s body was found on the tracks an hour later.

Surrey County Cricket Club described the batsman as “incredibly talented”.

The club said: “He had impressed in all forms of the game, scoring a maiden first-class 100 in Cardiff last year, playing a key role in Surrey’s victory in the Clydesdale Bank 40 and earning selection for the England Lions.

“His future potential was unlimited, with experts both inside and outside the club predicting he would soon follow in the footsteps of his father Matthew by graduating to full England honours.

“As a mark of respect to Tom, Surrey’s Friends Life t20 game against the Hampshire Royals at the Kia Oval that was scheduled for this Wednesday has been postponed.”

Surrey chairman Richard Thompson said: “Our thoughts at this awful time are with Tom’s family and friends and all those that were close to him.

“Tom Maynard was a prodigiously talented young batsman who had made an incredible start to his career and was clearly destined for far greater things.

“The impact Tom made in such a short period of time for Surrey CCC spoke for itself.

“There is a profound sense of loss at the passing of Tom.

“To lose anybody at such a young age is an utterly senseless tragedy.

England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Giles Clarke also paid tribute, saying: “This is a very sad day for everyone connected with Surrey County Cricket Club and for Glamorgan County Cricket Club where Tom spent the early part of his career.

“Tom was a player of enormous potential who had already represented England Lions and had an exciting future ahead of him.

“Our hearts go out to the Maynard family for their tragic loss and we send them and all Tom’s many friends and colleagues within the game our deepest sympathies.”

Maynard came through the ranks at Glamorgan before moving to Surrey last summer.

The batsman was considered a rising star in the game and earned himself a place on the England Lions tour to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at the start of this year.

For more on this story go to:

www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/news/9342313/Police-watchdog-rules-out-investigation-into-death-of-Tom-Maynard.html