The family of a man who was killed after being hit by a train while he was out running have paid tribute their 'beautiful son'.

Sixth form student Matthew Leonard, 18, from Bognor, was a boarder at Christ's Hospital school, near Horsham, where he was studying for his A-levels.

The captain of the cross-country running team was running alone when he was hit by a train at the unguarded Chapel Road foot crossing near the school just before 7am on Monday.

In a statement, Mr Leonard's father said: “We would appreciate peace and quiet to grieve for and remember our beautiful son and brother, Matthew, who has left us all far too soon.

“We try to take comfort that Matthew was out running, something he loved to do.

“Matthew - you will live forever in our hearts and minds. Matthew - we love you more than you can ever imagine.

“We would like to thank everyone for their messages of support and goodwill, and to extend our sympathy to all of those who knew Matthew.”

A BTP spokesman said: “The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner.”