Father of train deaths teenager visits scene of sons death

Tributes pour in for Mert Karaoglan, 18, and his friend Charleigh Jade Disbrey, 15

Mert Karaoglan and Charleigh Jade Disbrey died near Elstree & Borehamwood station

The father of a teenager killed by a train in an apparent suicide pact with a school-friend has visited the scene where his son died.

Mert Karaoglan, 18, and Charleigh Disbrey, 15, died after being struck by a train travelling at 90mph near Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, on Monday night.

Police found suicide notes at the scene and said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

The dead man's father, Sakru Karaoglan, 48, visited the scene, accompanied by a dozen friends and relatives. He said that his son had told him he would just be out for a couple of hours on Monday evening.

A friend said: “He is devastated. Mert was his only son. He just can't stop crying. He cried all yesterday and all day to day. All he does is smoke and cry.”

Mert, an amateur film-maker, and Charleigh, an aspiring musician, both attended the local Hertswood Academy.

The head teacher of the academy, Peter Gillett, said that the pair were talented, hard-working and well-respected pupils at the academy.

On a tribute site to the youngsters, Miss Disbrey's mother wrote: “Charleigh my Baby my Angel, I just can't believe you have been taken from me like this, u are my beautiful very talented little girl!! Please someone wake me up from this nightmare. Please I just want my daughter back.”

Floral tributes were left near the railway line and at the school. One card outside the school gates read: “To Mert, thinking of you always, bless your soul and may you rest in peace friend.”

British Transport Police are continuing their investigations into the double tragedy but said that they believed nobody else was involved in the deaths.