Julian Gunning died alongside the family dog when they were hit on Itchingfield foot crossing at 12.47pm on Monday July 21 - British Transport Police said.

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A police spokesperson said Mr Gunning, 49, was staying with family on a holiday from Ashburton, in Devon.

In a family statement released to British Transport Police today Mr Gunning was described as a devoted family man whose untimely death had devastated his whole family.

The statement said: "Julian Gunning from Devon was on a brief holiday visiting close relatives in Horsham together with his wife and two young daughters.

"In the early afternoon of Monday 21st July, while out walking towards Sharpenhurst Hill with their dog, they were crossing the railway line carefully at Christ's Hospital only to realise that the dog had unexpectedly stopped on the track.

"In trying to retrieve the dog, Julian Gunning was struck by a passing train and both were instantly killed."

The family has asked to be left alone to come to terms with their tragic loss.

British Transport Police are preparing a report for the coroner.


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