THIS is the face of tragic teenager Kyle Lillington who died after jumping in front of a train.

THIS is the face of tragic teenager Kyle Lillington who died after jumping in front of a train.

The horrifying drama unfolded in front of police officers' eyes as they drove past the bridge he leapt from in Woodbridge Road.

But they were powerless to save him as he plunged in front of an oncoming freight train heading from Felixstowe to

Birch Coppice, near Tamworth, in the West Midlands.

Over the weekend a series of poignant floral tributes were laid next to the bridge where the 18-year-old lost his life just after midnight on Friday.

But in a sad and callous act, heartless thieves are believed to have removed the heartrending bouquets and messages laid by grieving family and friends.

The incident happened at 12.10am on Saturday - a week after the body of 19-year-old Tom Adams, from Brantham, was found on the Ipswich/London Liverpool Street track at Manningtree, which has now resulted in a double tragedy just days before Christmas.

Kyle, who attended Claydon High School and Stoke High School, in Ipswich, was spotted looking over the bridge by police.

Inspector Tony Woodward, control room supervisor at Suffolk police, said: “Within a couple of minutes he threatened to jump and swung his legs over the parapet before jumping in front of an oncoming train.”

The troubled teenager, who is thought to have lived alone in a flat in Woodbridge Road, near the Golden Key, was treated track-side by paramedics and then taken to Ipswich Hospital suffering from life threatening injuries. He died later that day.

Yesterday, his uncle Phil Lillington paid tribute to his nephew by describing him as “a good lad” who had desires to start his own business.

Mr Lillington, who was called by officers after it was discovered that Kyle's mother lived in Scotland, drove from his home in Cambridge to the hospital in Heath Road.

He said: “Kyle was a good lad. He was really into his computers and aimed to start his own business one day.”

But Mr Lillington was left shocked and devastated after floral tributes he left with his daughter were stolen on Saturday night.

Having laid flowers by the side of the bridge earlier in the morning, Mr Lillington's sister arrived later in the day to find them gone.

He added: “Having lived in Ipswich for several years I am totally disappointed to find that even paying respects to a dead man in an open fashion can no longer be respected. I hope that the persons concerned for this are never in the same position as myself and my family, having tributes removed. I don't expect them to be returned as they have probably been destroyed I just hope the persons concerned can live with their conscience.”

Fiona Etherington, landlady of the Case Is Altered pub, on Woodbridge Road, said she saw the blue sirens as she closed for the night.

She said: “It's such a great shame that someone so young has died - I saw the blue flashing sirens through the window as I closed up for the night.”

Suffolk Constabulary is currently investigating the details surrounding the death.

Did you know the 18-year-old? If you would like to pay tribute to Kyle contact the news desk on 01473 324788 or e-mail starnews@eveningstar.co.uk

The floral tributes laid for Kyle Lillington

“You will be sadly missed. Love Uncle Phil.”

“We'll miss you so much. We'll never forget you. Love you loads cuzzy. Laura, Danielle and Olivia.”

“I will be forever thinking of you and I will miss you so much. You're just another pretty butterfly with grandma and Daisy. I love you Sim.”