A teenage "train surfer" was killed on the way home from last night's Lewes bonfire celebrations.

The 18-year-old boy died instantly after climbing through the window of a moving train and attempting to clamber on to its roof.

Passengers on the crowded train were horrified as the youth smashed into a bridge on the line between Cooksbridge and Plumpton.

His friends, who are believed to have spent the evening watching the annual celebrations in the town, pulled the communication cord to stop the train.

Emergency services rushed to the scene at 11pm and found his body on the tracks.

Inspector Gary Ancell, of British Transport Police, said the teenager's death was being treated as a tragic accident.

The boy's family, who live in Plumpton, have been informed and are expected to formally identify him later today.

Police have not released his name. Insp Ancell said: "He was attempting to get on to the roof of the train but unfortunately it came to a bridge.

"The train was pretty full at the time and other passengers pulled the communication cord but it appears he died instantly.

"We understand he had earlier attended the fireworks in Lewes with his friends."

Trains from Lewes to London were delayed for 90 minutes while emergency services worked at the scene, leaving hundreds of revellers stranded.

More than 25,000 people flocked to Lewes to watch the elaborate celebrations commemorating the anniversary of the failed Gunpowder Plot.

About 250 police officers were on duty and extra fire crews and paramedics were on standby.

Police said the event itself had been a success. There were a few minor casualties and just one arrest.

Twelve people were treated for minor injuries, mostly small burns. One man taken into custody for possessing drugs.

Incident commander Chief Superintendent Paul Pearce, said: "Yet again Lewes Bonfire was a great success with only one arrest and only minor injuries.

"The number of spectators in the town was slightly down on previous years, an indication that several thousand people probably heeded our early warnings to attend local celebrations rather than come to Lewes.

"The personnel from the many different partner agencies involved in this large-scale operation should be congratulated for their handling of it.

"The fact that there were no serious casualties and only one arrest shows the effectiveness of the overall safety operation."

Keith Austin, spokesman for event organisers Lewes Bonfire Council, said the teenager's death had marred the evening.

He said: "This news has spoilt my day. I feel very very sorry for this young man who was probably in high spirits after the excitement of the bonfire.

"To die in this manner is absolutely horrific and I extend my sympathy to his family.

"We have spent a long long time over the last year making sure the evening was as safe as possible. But obviously you can't plan for this sort of thing.

"The rest of the evening seemed to run very well, like a well-oiled machine.

"The police were extremely pleasant and some even joined in with the processions."