The family of a student who tragically died after being hit by a train near Meldreth railway station have spoken to the Crow of their devastation at the loss of a highly ‘gifted teenager’.

Edward Mallen, who had recently turned 18 and had been accepted at Cambridge University, was killed on Monday afternoon close to the College Farm crossing.

The family of the 18-year-old, who was the former head boy of both Meldreth Primary School and Melbourn Village College, released a joint statement which said: “We are of course utterly devastated by the sudden and traumatic loss of our lovely son and brother.

“Edward was a truly remarkable individual whose academic brilliance was matched only by his caring, friendly and warm character.

“Outstanding in every way, Edward will be deeply missed by many in the local community.

“We have been overwhelmed by and give thanks for the tremendous expressions of sympathy and wonderful commendations we have received. Despite intense efforts, Edward’s inexplicable, sudden, brutal and remorseless recent decline into a deep depression could not be averted and we implore the authorities to reconsider the funding and resources directed towards alleviating the seemingly relentless spread of psychological disorders and anxieties among our young people.

“Tragedies like this can and must be avoided. The world was a better place for having Edward in it and is measurably diminished by his loss.

“Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly and we are issuing an open invitation for all those who knew Edward to come together with the communities of both Meldreth and Melbourn to celebrate the all too short life of this extraordinary and beautiful young man.”

Edward, who turned 18 just six weeks ago, was an academically gifted Hills Road Sixth Form College student and an accomplished pianist who had recently been offered a place to study geography at the University of Cambridge.

Friends and fellow students gathered for a candlelit vigil at Meldreth railway station yesterday afternoon, when former head and deputy heads spoke of their deep regret at the loss of such an exceptional student.

Special facilities have been set up Hills Road, Melbourn Village College and Meldreth Primary School for grieving pupils and staff and a two-minute silence was held at the college attended by students, past and present, together with their teachers.

Detective Sergeant Adrian Naylor from the British Transport Police, said: “I would like to hear from anyone who might have seen Edward in the minutes before his death. It could be the smallest piece of information, but it might help me piece together what happened.

“If you saw Edward on Monday afternoon, please contact us. He was 5ft 10 tall, slim build, with blonde hair, wearing jeans and a black coat. He was carrying a backpack.”

Anyone with information on this incident should contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040, or by text, to 61016, quoting reference ESUB/B12 of 11 February.