Seventeen-year-olds Shaun, known widely as Barnsey, and friend Luther (Luey) Storr died when they were hit by the 5.56am Lynn to King's Cross service to London on Saturday.

But no-one knew what had happened until their bodies were spotted at 8.30am by the driver of a later service in the opposite direction – which Shaun's mum Lynne Lasenby was travelling on. She had been going into Lynn to buy Shaun's Christmas presents.

Mrs Lasenby (39), who yesterday spoke exclusively to the Lynn News, noticed her train driver slow at one point during the journey, but had no idea why until later that morning.

When she heard there had been a death on the lines, she instinctively feared for Shaun, who had not returned home the night before after going out in Lynn, and began ringing round his friends and the police.

"It just clicked," she said. "I was shaky, cold and agitated. I couldn't get home quick enough.

"I kept saying to the police 'I'm probably wasting your time.'
"We kept dialling his mobile and after the police had gone stayed up all night waiting for him to come home."

After painstaking checks British Transport Police officers eventually matched detailed descriptions of Shaun, his clothing and mobile phone to the bodies they had discovered and broke the news to Mr and Mrs Lasenby on Sunday afternoon.

Mr Lasenby (45) said: "We are all devastated."

It has been reported Shaun and Luther had been delayed in Lynn after stepping in to help the sister of friend Jack Pateman and ensure she caught her train home.

Police are investigating the incident, but do not believe Shaun and Luther intended to get the last train back.

Mr and Mrs Lasenby said the pair had bumped into a friend around midnight and turned down a lift back home to Watlington, saying they were going to get a cab later.

The couple, of Wensum Close, fear Shaun and Luther did not have the money for a taxi and simply decided to take the most direct walk home – along the tracks.

The couple have been overwhelmed by the support from the community and transport police and the shared memories of their son and Luther, each described by their families as "lovable rogues".

Shaun, who was hugely popular among his peers, had had scrapes with the law and was due in court for assault on Tuesday after getting into a fight. Tributes and flowers for he and Luther have continued to mount at Watlington train station.

"The support we have had is phenomenal," said Mrs Lasenby, who is separated from Shaun's natural father Nigel, of West London. "It's lovely to know how liked he was."

Shaun had an older brother Christopher (26) and three younger brothers Aaron (seven), Kane (four) and Tyler (two), who he idolised.

Mr and Mrs Lasenby have explained to their sons Shaun has gone to heaven and is now a star in the sky.

Family friend Karen Murdoch (29) said: "He was gorgeous and cheeky and had this reputation for loving his family and not only did he love his mum and Dave, they were his friends as well."

Shaun's funeral is next Friday. A procession of cars will leave from Watlington to arrive for the service at Mintlyn Crematorium at 3.15pm.

There will be family flowers only and donations towards a memorial fund. Mourners are asked to go along in the colours of Shaun's football team – Manchester United.