Tributes flood in for teen hit and killed by train in Somerset

Tributes have been paid to a 16-year-old who died after being struck by a train.

The incident happened the day after the teenager finished school and is not being treated as suspicious.

Jake Bowles, 16, was killed shortly before 9pm on Sunday near to Highbridge and Burnham-on-Sea rail station in Somerset.

The Year 11 student at Brymore Academy in Cannington, Somerset, had attended a leavers' service at the school on Saturday.

British Transport Police are providing support to Jake's family, who live locally. Source PA

In a statement posted on Brymore Academy's Facebook page, the school described the death as "heartbreaking".

"Brymore is saddened and shocked to hear of the passing of our Year 11, Jake Bowles," the statement said.

"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Jake's family and friends and as a school community we will do all we can to support Brymore boys through this difficult time."

The school broke for half term after the Leavers' Service but opened School House on Tuesday for past and present pupils to remember Jake.

Dozens of tributes to the teenager, who planned to set up his own business, have been left on social media, describing him as "cheeky" and "intelligent".

Lynne Roberts-Mudge wrote: "Great memories of a bright, intelligent young man. A pleasure to have known you Jake. Love and sympathy to all your family and Brymore friends."

Vicki Lorraine Davies added: "Deepest sympathies to Jake's family, friends, all the students and staff at Brymore. Heartbreaking news."

Brymore Academy, which operates six days per week, is a state boarding and day school for boys aged 11 to 17.

It teaches the national curriculum alongside a wide range of practical subject and has a 110 acre farm, one acre walled garden where pupils can have their own plots, and fishing pond.

A spokesman for British Transport Police (BTP) said: "Shortly before 9am on Sunday 25 May, we were called following reports of a person having been struck by a train near to Highbridge and Burnham rail
station, Somerset.

"Our officers attended, alongside colleagues from Avon and Somerset Police and South Western Ambulance Service, and discovered a 16-year-old local boy had been struck and killed by a train.

"At this stage the incident is not being treated as suspicious and BTP officers, who are supporting the deceased's family, will assist in the compilation of a report for the coroner."

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