Heather Mills had part of her leg amputated after an accident

Mills, who is married to Paul McCartney and lost part of a leg herself when she was hit by a police motorbike, told Laura Range "you can get through this".

She said she would try and visit the 13-year-old this weekend while she is in Liverpool for one of Paul's concerts in the city.

Doctors had to remove Laura's limb at Orrell Park railway station, where the accident happened, when the train could not be lifted off her on Monday.

She was hit by the train, which was on the Ormskirk line, just after 2130 BST and is being treated at Alder Hey Hospital.

I know how important it is to feel you can continue to lead a full and active life after such a massive change Heather Mills

On Wednesday Mrs Mills McCartney said: "My thoughts are with her and her family at this very difficult time.

"I hope to be able to offer her and her family some words of support over the coming days as she begins to adjust to life after her accident.

"I know only too well how important it is to feel you can continue to lead a full and active life after such a massive change."

Her message came as British Transport Police revealed that Laura may have been injured as the result of a criminal act.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Cumming said CCTV pictures showed Laura involved in an incident on the platform.

Youngsters questioned

He said: "There was an element of contact between Laura and another individual and indeed others that were there.

"But it is in what context that that was happening that is causing us some concern."

Police have been interviewing youngsters who were with Laura at the time.

Firefighters had used high pressure airbags and jacks to try to raise the carriage off Laura, from Bootle, but were unsuccessful.

Peter O'Donnell, of Merseyside Fire and Rescue, said the girl was conscious when crews arrived at the scene.

On Tuesday he told BBC North West Today: "She was conscious and talking to paramedics and a doctor on site.