The mother of a 21-year-old man in Ipswich who died in a collision with a train, has paid tribute to her son who “lived his life to help and support others.”

Matthew Percy, 21, of Edmonton Close in Kesgrave was involved in the collision after posting an emotional message on Facebook late on Monday evening.

The 21-year-old was a keen political campaigner, a member of the youth parliament and had served on both Martlesham Parish Council and Kesgrave Town Council.

In a touching tribute, Matthew’s mother Holly, said: “Matthew was a kind-hearted, intelligent and thoughtful young man who was loved deeply by all his family and friends.

“While I am devastated by his death, I am proud to have a son who lived his life to help and support others, and to give a voice to other people.

“He loved politics, and was an active campaigner for the Labour Party. He was also a Martlesham parish councillor and spent many years as a member of the UK Youth Parliament, something which meant a great deal to him.

“Matthew lived with autism, but he did not let that hold him back, achieving a huge amount in his short life. He was also a representative for Ambitious about Autism, the NSPCC, the National Express Youth Panel, and many more.

“He liked to help other people, and he liked to help people understand each other.

“I love him and I will always be thinking of him.”

Mr Percy had recently started a university course at University Campus Suffolk, and had been elected unopposed for Martlesham Parish Council and Kesgrave Town Council.

He had also been campaigning for Ipswich Labour candidate David Ellesmere.

Mr Ellesmere said: “We are all devastated. Matthew joined the Labour Party at a young age and has worked tirelessly.

“He recently started a University course at UCS and even more recently been elected unopposed for both Kesgrave Town and Martlesham Parish Councils.

“It is a tragedy that such a young life has been cut short.”

Central Suffolk and North Ipswich Labour candidate Jack Abbott added: “Matthew was a tireless campaigner for the Labour Party, active in his local community, a champion for young people and he fought hard to raise awareness and equality for those with Autism. Most of all, he will be remembered as someone with a good heart who genuinely wanted to make the world a better place.

An inquest is expected to be opened in due course.