Ainsdale train death: Yasmin Jones' family pay tribute

The family of a university graduate who was killed while trying to rescue a dog from a railway have paid tribute to their "beautiful and talented" daughter.

Yasmin Jones, 22, was struck by a train on a level crossing close to Ainsdale station, near Southport, Merseyside, on Wednesday.

She had been trying to free a dog which had wriggled under a metal fence.

In a statement, her family said "no words could describe" their pain.

"Our family is totally devastated by the loss of Yasmin, our beautiful and talented daughter, sister and granddaughter," the statement said.

"We are comforted by the knowledge that her energy and lust for life touched the hearts of so many."

Miss Jones, of Glastonbury, Somerset, had settled in Liverpool after studying drama at the the city's John Moores university.

Her family said she had taken a job at The Caledonia pub while she decided what to do next.

Miss Jones had been taking two dogs to the Red Squirrel Nature Reserve before the accident happened.

She was pronounced dead at the scene and a dog was also killed in the collision.

The Caledonia posted a statement on its Facebook page saying the pub intended to close until Monday.

"We hope you can appreciate it's going to be a very difficult time for all of us," the post said.

"She was a pleasure to have known and we will miss her beauty more than words can say."

A spokesman for Network Rail said the level crossing had been identified for closure, and will be replaced by a footbridge. Talks were ongoing with council officials.

An inquest has been scheduled to open on Monday.