Boy and girl, aged 18 and 15, killed in Hertforshire by high-speed train in suspected suicide

Charleigh-Jade Disbrey who was killed by a high-speed train in a suspected suicide (YouTube)

Two teenagers died last night after being hit by a high-speed train in Hertforshire, in a suspected suicide.

The Thameslink train hit the boy and girl, aged 18 and 15 respectively, close to Elstree & Borehamwood station at 9pm. The track was protected by a 6ft-high fence.

Paramedics rushed to the scene but could not save the pair, who were pronounced dead shortly afterwards. They were both said to have been carrying a note.

The girl has been named as Charleigh Jade Disbrey, a talented local musician who posted videos of herself playing an acoustic guitar on YouTube and turned 15 less than a fortnight ago.

"I don't wish to be famous for the money. I want to be famous because I want people to relate to music," she wrote. "I want to be someones inspiration, I want to make someone feel like they're not alone."

Both attended the Hertswood Academy school, the girl studying for GCSEs and the boy in the final year of A-levels. The school is offering counselling to students.

A spokesman for British Transport Police said the deaths were not being treated as suspicious.

Roger Perkins, spokesman for First Capital Connect, said: “There were no passengers on board the train but there were two drivers in the cab, both of whom are being offered our full care and support.

“This was a shocking incident and our hearts go out to those involved. We have been giving our full support to our employees who were at the scene and will do all we can to help the emergency services in their investigation.”

East of England Ambulance spokesman Gary Sanderson said: “On arrival it was evident nothing could be done and both patients were pronounced dead shortly after."

In a statement, Hertswood Academy, in Borehamwood, said: “At the start of the school day today we were contacted by the British Transport Police to inform us of an incident that had occurred overnight involving two of our students.

“From the details that we have been given we believe that two of our students, one in year 10, and one in year 13, have tragically died. Students and staff have been informed this morning and we are offering counselling to those affected by this tragedy.

“Our thoughts are obviously with the parents and families of those who have died and we would ask all to respect their privacy at this most difficult time.”

Samaritans, who provide support to people in distress, can be contacted on 08457 90 90 90