Tributes have been paid to a troubled man who was hit and killed by a train on Tuesday.

Duncan Keen, who had been living in a resettlement home in Boxley Road, Maidstone, had been asked to leave the property the day before he died.

The 33-year-old was discovered by British Transport Police officers near the track at Barming station, in Hermitage Lane, at 3am on Tuesday.

Duncan's mum, Cheri Langston, who now lives in America paid tribute to her son: "I loved him with all my heart. He thrilled me and everyone he met with his chatter, laughter and friendly little ways.

"He kept me good company and was good company to have. He kept everyone in his world laughing, his sense of humour would always have us in stitches.

"You are in my heart. Even though we are apart, we will always be together." - Cheri Langston, Duncan's mother

"He loved poetry and music and would of send me a message letting me know about new songs I'd like. He had a heart, a real heart.

"He was not perfect, but he was sincere, he was true, he really tried. He waged a brave battle against the negative experiences that arose in his life. There was no on like him.

"My heart is broken, but even when I cry I know that the sadness will never stand a chance against the number of the happy memories of Duncan I will always have in my heart.

"You are in my heart. Even though we are apart, we will always be together."

David Walker, who works as a carer at the hostel for homeless people and convicts, said: “Duncan was the nicest man you could have met. He was intelligent and genuine and will be missed by everyone who knew him.”

“Duncan was the nicest man you could have met. He was intelligent and genuine and will be missed by everyone who knew him.” - David Walker, friend of Mr Keen

A resident at the home, Alan Kippax, also paid tribute: “He was a quiet and gentle man who was well liked by the everyone in the house.”

Another friend, Michael Lindenberg, said: “From the time I met him eight years ago he was always a funny, generous and kind loving guy, who would help anyone he could. He will be missed. Not only as a good friend, but as someone who was like a big brother to me.”

The former chef, whose life had been in a downward spiral since losing his job, had made a cry for help when he appeared in court after going on a booze-fuelled rampage in Maidstone in March.

He threw a concrete block through the window of a taxi before threatening the driver in Week Street. He then punched a man outside a takeaway before attacking one of his friend’s in Market Buildings.

When stopped by police a knife was found in his bag. It was believed to be his lucky charm as he had used it in a failed suicide bid.

He asked magistrates to send him to prison so he could sort his life out and stop him harming anyone else. Instead, Mr Keen was given a suspended prison sentence.

The railway line was closed for three hours while emergency services recovered the body.

Police confirmed the incident is not being treated as suspicious and the man’s family has been informed.

The incident has brought the total number of deaths on the county's railway network this year to 11.

If you would like confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 at any time.

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