The heartbroken girlfriend of a 12-year-old boy killed on train tracks last night paid a tribute to him with a lyric from a Rihanna song.
The victim, named locally as James, managed to get onto the live lines, near Bedford Road in Bootle, at around 7pm, where he was electrocuted and died instantly.
This morning, his devastated girlfriend, aged 14, had flowers taken to the scene by her mum, which were laid close by the spot where he lost his life.
The , referencing lyrics in the Rihanna song Diamonds, was shared with the ECHO by the girl's parent.
It read: "Shine bright like a diamond.
"You were the happiest little boy.
"You will be missed.
"By your girl."
Friends who knew James well described him as an "amazing lad whose smile would light up the room."
One said: "He was always so polite.
"He was a bouncy little lad."
Locals said James had got onto the railway with another young boy, also said to be 12.
One adult said: "His friend tried to get over to help him."
James' girlfriend was said to be "so shocked," her family said.
The friends described themselves as "devastated and heartbroken."
Another card was left at the scene, which read: “A golden heart stopped beating.
“Two shining eyes closed tight.
“Goodnight god Bless you beautiful boy.
"Thinking of all your family. GBNF.”
On the same card was the message: “Going to miss you mate“Why would you do such a thing?
“Going to miss you bro."
This morning, British Transport Police, who are probing the tragedy, said: "Officers were called to the line in Bootle shortly after 7pm last night (14/10) following reports of a casualty on the tracks.
"Paramedics also attended however sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene.
"The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”
An emergency switch-off of the tracks was requested by British Transport Police (BTP) who rushed to deal with the incident.
The stretch from Sandhills to Waterloo was isolated as workers rushed to reach the body.
Track staff attended the scene to inspect fencing around the area where the boy made his way onto the line.
Emergency staff gave the go-ahead for the body to be moved from the tracks to the hospital.
A large emergency service presence could be seen at Bedford Road, as neighbours reported seeing a fire engine, ambulance and police officers at the scene.
Pictures showed officers taking photographs of an underpass underneath the rail tracks and an area was also cordoned off.
Rail services were suspended between Sandhills and Hall Road while emergency services investigated the incident.
Merseyrail warned services would be cancelled or delayed until 11.30pm. Officials from Network Rail could be seen this morning at the scene.
