A man whose body was discovered on a rail line was a teacher at an Ipswich high school, The Evening Star can reveal today.

IPSWICH: A man whose body was discovered on a rail line was a teacher at an Ipswich high school, The Evening Star can reveal today.

Tributes have been paid to Nathan Hall, who was found on the tracks at Halifax junction, near Bourne Park, early on Sunday morning.

A track worker discovered the 32-year-old's body near Worsdell Close at about 5am before alerting the emergency services.

Mr Hall had been an English teacher at Westbourne Sports College, in Marlow Road, since joining the school in 2007 after moving to the UK from Canada.

British Transport Police (BTP) are yet to formally identify Mr Hall and his death is still being treated as unexplained.

Westbourne headteacher Christopher Edwards today told how teachers and students were deeply saddened by news of the tragedy.

“Staff, pupils and governors of Westbourne Sports College are mourning the sudden loss of our teaching colleague, Mr Nathan Hall. Mr Hall taught English at the school since 2007 following his arrival from Canada.

“Mr Hall's death has greatly saddened the school community and in particular those who worked closely with him.

“Assemblies have been held to inform the students and we have arranged specialist support for any member of the school community who may need it. Our thoughts are with Nathan's family in Canada at this most difficult time.”

More than 170 students have joined a tribute group on social networking site Facebook, with some posting messages of sympathy describing Mr Hall as an “amazing teacher”.

One tribute reads: “I remember he always used to bring his bicycle into the classroom and the Canadian flag that hung on the wall and the pictures and funny quotes around the room. He was an amazing teacher.”

Another said: “Going to miss giving his high fives in the corridor. The best teacher ever - RIP Mr Hall, never forgotten.”

The incident was reported to police at 4.56am on Sunday. When the ambulance service arrived at the scene they were unable to resuscitate him. Mr Hall was pronounced dead at the scene.

It is unclear how long his body had been besides the rail line before it was discovered.

A spokesman for the BTP said: “Officers are currently working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident, including how the man came to be on the tracks, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”

Today's edition of the Star carried a picture believed to be of Mr Hall … but it is not correct.

A further story is due to appear in tomorrow's newspaper apologizing for the error.