The teenage grammar school student killed when he fell onto the railway line at Westgate has been identified.

Ben Lavender was crossing the tracks at the station at about 11.40pm Friday when he fell onto the live third rail and was electrocuted. It is believed he was crossing to see friends.

Ben, 17, a student at Chatham House Grammar School, Ramsgate, was taken to the QEQM Hospital in Margate but was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

By Tuesday afternoon, more than 300 people had joined the group RIP Ben Lavender 1991-2009 on social networking website Facebook.

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Shocked friends had left a string of tributes, including one from Lee Baker who wrote: "School, weekends and everything will be emptier without you there cheering everyone up and bringing us all together."

Mike Taylor described Ben as a "social chameleon who made friends with so many people", while Emma Langridge said: "Will never forget you, you totally amazing boy."

Schoolfriend Lucy Semlyen added: "You really were one of those people who talked to anyone and everyone. CHS wont be the same without you, Ben."

British Transport Police said that Ben’s death was being treated as a tragic accident.

A spokesman added: "We would like to remind members of the public that the third rail carries 750 volts of electricity and is switched on 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

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