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Flowers laid for Taiyah Peebles at Herne Bay station after her death on the railway line

Flowers have been laid at Herne Bay station in memory of much-loved teenager Taiyah Peebles, who was found dead near the track yesterday morning.

The 16-year-old is believed to have been electrocuted and police are appealing for information from witnesses about the circumstances.

Tributes to Taiyah quickly started appearing on social media and yesterday afternoon dozens of friends arrived at the station with flowers, cards and messages to her, expressing their sadness at her loss.

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Taiyah-Grace Peebles who died on the railway line
Taiyah-Grace Peebles who died on the railway line

They later gathered at Herne Bay clocktower for a vigil.

Emergency services descended on the station shortly before 7am yesterday following the discovery of her body and the station was closed to commuters, as was the line between Herne Bay and Faversham.

Up to 10 police cars and ambulance vehicles were parked on the forecourt as specialist teams worked with Network Rail to recover the teenager's body and examine the scene.

Trains were cancelled between Faversham and Thanet for almost six hours while investigations were carried out by police.

Flowers left at Herne Bay station for Taiyah-Grace Peebles
Flowers left at Herne Bay station for Taiyah-Grace Peebles

Police say they believe Taiyah had been at the station with friends at about 11pm the previous night but it is not known exactly when she was killed or why she was on the tracks.

DCI Paul Langley, of British Transport Police, says her family are desperate for answers.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of this young girl as they try to come to terms with this awful news,” he said.

"We have deployed specially trained officers to the family to provide them with support.

"Understandably the family are now desperate for answers and my officers are focused on understanding how this girl came to be on the tracks.

"What we know so far is that the girl was with a group of friends near the station shortly before 11pm on Tuesday evening.

"Sometime between then and 7am the following morning she came to receive these injuries.

“Therefore, I would be looking to speak with anyone who might have been near to Herne Bay station during this period.

"If you were in the area or have any information, no matter how small, please do get in touch as soon as possible. Your information might prove vital in our enquiries."

A poignant message left for Taiyah Peebles at the station
A poignant message left for Taiyah Peebles at the station

Formal identification has yet to take place, but her family have been informed are being supported by specialist officers.

A post-mortem examination is due to take place tomorrow.

Anyone with any information about the girl’s death can send a text to 61016 or call 0800 405040, quoting reference 82 of 26/07/2017.

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