BRITISH Transport Police have revealed that a 16-year-old boy killed when he was struck by a train had been "play-fighting" with a friend on a station platform before he fell onto the tracks.

Thomas Baker and another 16-year-old youth both ended up on the line as the train entered the station at Shoreham, near Sevenoaks, on Wednesday last week.

Thomas, from Halstead, near Sevenoaks, was declared dead at the scene. The other youngster survived.

They were among a large group of youths who had been waiting for a train at the station.

Det Insp Bob Richardson said police had carried out a thorough investigation into the incident and had interviewed several witnesses to establish how the pair came to be on the tracks.

He said: "Our investigation has revealed that the pair were play-fighting on the platform and unfortunately toppled onto the tracks as the train was approaching the platform.

"Thomas was struck by the train but the other youth was able to move out of the way.

"There is no evidence to suggest that the youths involved in this incident were playing chicken or trespassing on the tracks. It would seem to be a tragic accident."

The second youth was taken to Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford, suffering minor burn injuries. He was released from hospital the next day.

An inquest will now be held into the death and the BTP will be providing a report to the coroner.

In a statement, Thomas's mother said: "Tommyboy was the apple of my eye. I still cannot believe what has happened.

"He was truly loved by all his family and friends and life will never be the same. Our hearts are broken."

The train driver involved was treated for shock.