A community in shock has paid heartfelt tributes to a popular Lowestoft father-of-two who tragically died after being hit by a train.

Supermarket worker and avid footballer Darren Boyd, 43, was described as a 'brilliant son, brother and devoted uncle' by his wife Sharon, as well as 'the best dad you could ever wish for'.

Mr Boyd, who worked as a porter at Morrisons in Pakefield and played for Hearts of Oak and Kirkley and Pakefield football clubs, was struck by a train on the line close to Oulton Broad North railway station at about 5.50pm on Saturday (January 2).

His death – which is not being treated as suspicious – resulted in an outpouring of tributes, with people in the community starting an online campaign to raise funds to support his wife Sharon and two children, Georgia Rose, nine, and Oscar Jack, six.

The original £1,000 target was reached in less than an hour, with £3,000 raised in an evening. So far nearly £5,000 has been raised.

'We are extremely grateful for everyone's kindness,' Mrs Boyd said.