"SHE has left a void that can never be filled."

Those were the words of a family left devastated after the death of a Hampshire schoolgirl hit by a train.

They paid tribute to 15-year-old Amber Jackson and said she would always be in their hearts.

Amber, of Bitterne Park, Southampton, who attended Bitterne Park School, was struck and killed by a train at Bitterne Station on Tuesday at around 11.40am.

In a statement, Amber’s family said: “Amber was our gem. She was bright, beautiful, funny and vivacious. 

"She was kind and she was gentle. 

“We will miss her always and be forever grateful for the short time we had her in our lives. She has left a void that can never be filled.

“You are in our hearts forever, gorgeous girl. – Mummy, Daddy, Imogen and Dom.”

British Transport Police say the incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.

Many went online to pay their tributes to Amber, with one saying: "She was a lovely girl! So friendly and I feel privileged to have known her! Taken from this world too soon! RIP Amber!x".

Down at the station platform there was a single floral tribute, though the Daily Echo has been told many others had been removed.

It read: "It's sad to see you go - I enjoyed our time together while you were here.  Mark xxx." 

This is the second teenage pupil the school is mourning in two months.

As previously reported, 17-year-old Jay Cheshire was found hanged at Riverside Park by dog walkers in July and though taken to hospital died days later. 

Bitterne Park headteacher Susan Trigger said in Amber it had lost a "valuable and well liked" Year 11 pupil, who had thrived at school and participated in activities and trips including Duke of Edinburgh expeditions.

"Amber had a huge amount to look forward to and had had recent success in her Year 10 exams," she said. 

"What a terrible loss this is for everyone who knew her.  Our thoughts and prayers continue at this difficult time."

Support and counselling was available as pupils returned for their first day of school yesterday and will continue.

Bitterne Park Baptist Church, in Oaktree Road, is offering the community support and many have gathered there in the last two days to remember Amber.

Many schoolchildren on their way home came to pay tribute or reflect yesterday.

The church has a graffiti wall for people to write their memories or tributes on, a table with a candles, photos and messages and a book of remembrance.

People are also welcome to leave floral tributes.

Deacon Geoff Curtis said the church would open its doors today between 4pm and 6pm with all welcome.

He said: "It's just letting people know that we can be a support, we can listen if people want to talk or they can talk amongst themselves and support each other."

Mary Greenman, who was helping at the church, knew Amber as a member of a youth group she helps run through the church, and said Amber's parents and two siblings had come along with many young people on Thursday.

"There was lots of emotion, lots of hugs and support for each other" she said. 

Paying her own tribute, she said: "She was a lovely girl.  She was a helpful person.  She was very supportive of others.

"It's just an absolute shock, especially with Jay.  It's tragic."