The family of a 16-year-old girl who died after slipping underneath a train described her as a "fantastic daughter and sister" yesterday.

Megan Moore was killed after falling between the train and the platform at Angmering station, near Littlehampton, West Sussex, on Saturday night.

In a statement released by British Transport Police (BTP), her parents Lorraine and Howard and brother Ryan said: "We would like to thank everybody for being so kind and supportive at this sad and difficult time.

"She was a fantastic daughter and sister, a kind, thoughtful and spirited girl who was blossoming into a young lady. She will always be loved and missed by her family and many friends."

It added that she had begun studying a media course at Chichester College in September where she was "very happy".

A BTP spokesman said it appeared the teenager was running alongside the 10.17p.m. London Victoria to Bognor Regis service and tapping on the train's window as it left the station when she slipped and fell.

He said it was unclear why she was running but it was believed she was returning from a party with friends.

A South East Coast Ambulance spokesman said it attended the incident but she was pronounced dead at the scene. More than 1,700 people have joined two Facebook groups which have been set up in tribute to Megan, who was from East Preston.

One message said: "Rest in peace lovely, you will be deeply missed. You were always so happy but at least now you can rest up in heaven," while another described her as "one of the kindest people ever".

The BTP spokesman said: "I can confirm that a 16-year-old girl died at Angmering rail station on Saturday, 21 November.

"The incident was reported to police at 11.57 p.m. and is being treated as non-suspicious.

"It appears that the girl was running alongside the train tapping on the window as it left the platform when she slipped between the platform and the train, which was the 2217 London Victoria to Bognor Regis service.

"The train performed an emergency stop and halted still partly in the platform."

He added that officers were working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident and appealed for anyone with any information to call British Transport Police.

A spokesman for Chichester College said: "We are very saddened to hear of this tragic accident and we have sent our condolences to her family.

"Megan was a good student and had settled in well into college life. She will be very much missed by her fellow students and staff."