A much-loved 18-year-old who died at a railway station was electrocuted on a live line before later being struck by a train, an inquest has heard.

Tom Watson, from Hawkinge, was killed in the tragedy at Canterbury East in the early hours of Friday, September 6.

A full hearing to examine the circumstances of his death is yet to take place, but his family has previously said there is “clear evidence” he had no intent to take his own life.

The popular teenager had been out with friends the previous evening and was due to start an English degree at the University of Lincoln just days later.

Today, an inquest into his death was opened at Oakwood House in Maidstone.

Coroner Katrina Hepburn said: “At 9.18am, British Transport Police (BTP) were called to Canterbury East station to reports of a body on the line.

“Police and ambulance crews attended but a person was sadly found on the tracks.”

She added that Tom had made contact with the third rail of the tracks and was electrocuted. He was later struck by a train.

The inquest was adjourned for a pre-inquest review to take place on November 7.

Tom was described as the “life and soul of the party” by his friends and family.

His mum, Candy, previously told KentOnline: “Tom is irreplaceable and it has ripped an unfillable hole in our hearts.

“We wouldn’t wish a pain like this on anyone.

“He was happy, caring, loud, funny and the life and soul of the party.

“You would always hear him before you saw him. He was a total livewire, always dancing and singing.

“Tom, once met, was never forgotten. He always asked how you were, and what you were doing.

“He was never short of a witty response and would keep everyone laughing with his impressions and silly jokes. He had a beautiful heart.”

A keen actor, singer and musician, Tom would often be heard by neighbours belting out the latest musical inspiration he had seen.

His grieving friends organised a touching memorial to him at Dane John Gardens in Canterbury on September 14.

They said afterwards: “Tom Watson was a character.

“He never failed to make anyone laugh and had an amazing laugh - if you know you know.

“Tom had so much planned for life and didn’t deserve to be taken so soon.

Candles, flowers and cards were left at the park’s bandstand in tribute to the popular teenager.

A GoFundMe appeal has also been launched to raise money for Demelza Children’s Hospice in Tom’s name.

BTP says it is not treating his death as suspicious.