Parents of boy, 11, killed on railway line pay tribute to 'thoughtful' and 'talented' son

• Video report by ITV Anglia's Liz Summers

The parents of a boy, who lost his life on a freight line in Northamptonshire, have paid a moving tribute to their “beautiful son”.

Harrison Ballantyne, 11, died after sustaining serious electrical burns near a rail depot in Daventry on Tuesday 27 June.

Emergency services were called to the scene at 5.20pm, but nothing could be done to save him.

Harrison played for the under 12's at Crick Colts Football Club. Last season his team mates voted him player's player.

A spokesperson for the club said: "Harrison was a great lad and very popular boy, highly thought of by the Club, his coaches and his friends. We know Harrison loved his football and loved his club Crick Colts FC. The club, coaches, players and players' parents are shocked and deeply saddened by the news and are still trying to come to terms with it."

Harrison died of 'serious electrical burns' about half a mile from Daventry International Rail Depot. He was with four friends at the time.

Family liaison officers continue to support Harrison’s family and enquiries into the circumstances surrounding his death continue, although they are not being treated as suspicious.

How and why Harrison and his friends ended up on the railway line is part of the police investigation.

Superintendent Chris Hodgkiss from BTP said: “Our thoughts are with Harrison’s loved ones and we are working very hard to give them the answers they need at this difficult time.

“Understandably, his death has come as a great shock to everyone who knew him. His friends who were at the scene have all now been spoken to and offered support, as have pupils at his school. Officers have also been patrolling the area around the line to ensure children stay away.

“Following Harrison’s death and the incident earlier this month where a teenager suffered 40 per cent burns to his body after getting onto the tracks in the West Midlands, we cannot stress enough the dangers of the railway.

“If you haven’t already, please speak to your children about the hazards and help us prevent further deaths and injuries this summer.”Last year, BTP officers came across more than 555 children on the tracks and recorded around 8,200 incidents of trespass. More information can be found here: btp.police.uk/realitycheck