The family of a teenager who was killed after being hit by a train have paid tribute to their “dearly loved” son.

Oscar Phillips, 16, died on Monday at Capenhurst station on Merseyrail’s Wirral line.

The sixth form student at Whitby High School in Ellesmere Port was described by his headteacher as a popular, bright pupil who was a credit to his family.

In a statement released through British Transport Police, Oscar’s family said: “Sadly on Monday, January 26, at around 5.30pm, our dearly loved son Oscar Phillips, aged 16, was struck by a train and tragically died at Capenhurst railway station.

“We know Oscar will be sadly missed by many people and would like to thank everyone for their kind wishes, support and floral tributes.

“We now ask that we are given the time and space to grieve privately.”

Emergency services were called to Capenhurst railway station shortly before 5.45pm on Monday but Oscar was pronounced dead at the scene.

Whitby High School headteacher Bryn Heeley said the whole school community was in shock after Oscar’s death.

He said: “It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of Oscar and our whole school community has been shocked by the tragic news.

“Oscar has been a student of the school since Year 7 and, last September joined us in our sixth form.

“He was a bright, polite young man who was popular with his many friends, his wider peer group and with the many staff that have taught him throughout his time with us.

“With age came confidence and he had developed into a thoughtful, individual young man who was a credit to his family and to our school community. His loss will continue to be felt for a considerable time.

“Oscar is already greatly missed within school and on behalf of the Whitby High School I would like to extend my most sincere sympathy to his family and friends.”

School friends described Oscar as having lots of friends, and one Twitter user said that “he got on with everyone”.

One friend said: “RIP, heartbreaking to hear the news, seemed like such a lovely lad, thoughts go out to friends and family!”