The girlfriend of a man killed in a train accident has thanked passengers for trying to save his life.

Youth worker Adam Knight, 32, of Denmark Villas, Hove, was killed when he leaned out of a carriage window as his train approached a tunnel.

His head hit the entrance to Clayton tunnel, between Hassocks and Preston Park.

Passengers dashed to his aid and alerted the train driver by pulling the emergency cord.

The driver reversed the Victoria-Worthing train into Hassocks station, where paramedics were waiting at 12.15am on Saturday. They tried to save Mr Knight's life on the platform but he was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.

Some passengers who witnessed the accident were treated for shock and others have since sought counselling.

Mr Knight's partner Eleanor Clarke, who is still in a state of shock following his death, praised everyone who had helped.

In a statement, she said: "I wish to thank everyone who has expressed sympathy at the tragic loss of Adam's life and also to thank medical staff, passengers and rail staff.

"I also wish to thank the media for being sensitive and allowing me to grieve in private at this time."

Mr Knight's body was yesterday formally identified by his family.

Mr Knight was a youth care worker, working mostly in London, who lived with his partner in a flat close to Hove Station.

Matt Ball, external relations manager for train operator South Central, said: "Our sympathies go out to his family and friends.

"We understand it was a tragic accident but it shows the danger of leaning out of the window at any time of the journey. It is not only tunnels. It is passing trains and other trackside structures.

"Once we have replaced all our slam-door stock by the end of 2004 this problem will go away, but until then, passengers have got to be careful."

Inspector Gary Ancell of British Transport Police said: "There are no suspicious circumstances. We are treating this as a pure accident."

One theory is that Mr Knight was asleep for part of the journey, suddenly woke up and looked out of the window to see where the train was.

Anyone who witnessed the accident should call British Transport Police on 01273 328545 or 0207 391 5275.