The family of a schoolgirl hit and killed by a train have paid a heartfelt tribute to their "amazing daughter".

Sacha Wheeler, 14, died after being hit on the Glebe Way foot crossing in Whitstable on Sunday.

In a statement released today, her family said: "Tragically, our beautiful 14-year-old daughter, Sacha Wheeler, was struck and killed by a train on Sunday, 8 February, at around 6pm, whilst on her way home, at Glebe Way pedestrian crossing in Whitstable.

"Our amazing daughter has been taken from us, our hearts are broken and our lives will never be the same again.

“We want to thank our family, friends and Simon Langton Girls' Grammar School for their unwavering support and kindness towards us at this very difficult time."

The British Transport Police are now appealing for anyone who saw Sacha shortly before she died to come forward.

Detective Constable Paula Eustace said: "I would like to hear from anyone who might have seen Sacha in the minutes before her death. It could be the smallest piece of information, but it might help me piece together what happened.

"If you saw Sacha on Sunday evening, please contact us. She was slim, had long auburn hair, and was wearing a two-tone blue striped scarf, green Parka jacket, blue jeans and blue Nike trainers."

Flowers have since been left at the crossing, with one tribute saying: "We love you Sacha, you will be missed."

Another added: "You were not known to us, but in passing, you have touched the deepest part of souls forever, rest in peace."

Sacha was a Year 9 pupil at Simon Langton Girls' Grammar School in Canterbury.

In a statement, head teacher Jane Robinson said: "Our whole school community is deeply shocked by Sacha's tragic accident, and our hearts go out to her family.

"So many of the girls have come in with flowers as a tribute to Sacha, and have written messages on her memory tree.

"She was a great asset to our school and will be sadly missed by us all."

The tragedy marks the fourth death on that line in as many years, and Network Rail is now looking into closing the crossing.

A spokesman said: "This is a terrible tragedy that has affected many people deeply and our thoughts are with her family and friends.

"Our policy is to close level crossings wherever possible and Glebe Way foot crossing is one of those we are looking at.

"However, we will need to take into account the needs of the users of the crossing and the views of our neighbours before we take any action."

In the aftermath of the tragedy, a British Transport Police spokesman said: "Our officers were called to Glebe Way foot crossing, near Whitstable station, at 6pm on Sunday, February 8 after reports a person had been struck by a train.

"Colleagues from Kent Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service also attended, but a 14-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene. Her family has been informed.

"The girl’s death is not being treated as suspicious, but we will prepare a file for the coroner."

Anyone with information is asked to call British Transport Police on 0800 405040, or by text, to 61016, quoting reference BSUB/B6 of 11 February.

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