Emotional tributes have flooded in after a beloved dad-of-two was hit by a train in Formby, with friends describing him as a "funny and genuine lad".
Ricky Cairns, 31, was hit by a Merseyrail train near Barkfield Lane at around 9pm on Thursday night.
The Southport man was a father to two young daughters and his death has left friends devastated at the loss of a "nice lad" with a brilliant sense of humour.
Liam Stirzaker, who knew Ricky growing up in Southport, described the dad-of-two as a "role model" and someone he looked up to and respected.
He said: "He was an amazing man and such an role model. Growing up around High Park we didn't have many around the area - he kept a lot of us out of trouble. Always had wise words. Such a loss.
"He was a man who I looked up to as a child."
Tanya Gaffney said: "So sad to hear the news . Another taken way to young. Was only talking [...] the other week about the mischief me you and our Ryan used to get into when we was younger.
"And the pictures of us at birth as we was born on the same day. RIP Ricky sleep tight. Sending love and thoughts to all your family."
Tanya and Ricky were close friends throughout childhood and she described him as a "genuine and funny lad".
Posting on social media, Dean Neblett shared an emotional tribute to his friend, saying: "Thank you for being in my life Ricky Cairns - you were my best friend. I'll never forget you.
"You introduced me to Dragon Ball Z and RuneScape where I met Jennifer Carter Neblett, who I married and have a family with.
"All those nights we sat up and played video games and talked about. You always supported me and valued my opinion, we had some tough obstacles as kids, having to hide our friendship - but we made it work.
"Thank you for everything my friend - love you always bro, rest in peace."
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British Transport Police confirmed that a man in his 30s died, after emergency services were called to the area around Barkfield Lane on Thursday.
Merseyrail services were halted on the line between Freshfield and Formby.
On Friday, a beautiful floral tribute and heartbreaking note were left on the foot bridge that runs over the train tracks at Barkfield Road.
The message, which was penned on pink card and appeared to have been written by a child, simply said: "Love from Evie X X X X X."
The man's death is not being treated as suspicious and his family have been informed.
A spokesperson for the BTP said: ""At 9pm yesterday evening (28/03) officers were called to the railway close to Formby after reports of a casualty on the tracks.
"Paramedics also attended, however a man in his 30s was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
"The man's family have been informed. This incident is not currently being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner."
