German international goalkeeper Robert Enke has died after being hit by a train at a level crossing at Neustadt-Eilvese, northwest of Hanover. Police have said they are not ruling out suicide as the cause of death.

The 32-year old German and Hanover 96 goalkeeper had been suffering from a mystery ailment recently. He pulled out of the German team two days ahead of their 4-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Azerbaijan in early September.

Enke doubled for first-team goalkeeper Jens Lehmann during the 2008 European championships and had been in line to take his place before being taken ill in September and October. The Hanover 96 keeper has eight international championships to his name and was in the running to play in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.