A man killed after he fell in front of a train was a leading county bridge player.

Friends in the Oxfordshire Bridge Club have paid tribute to former Oxford University student Amit Badiani, 31, who lived alone in Thame.

Nick Smith, who competed with Mr Badiani at many bridge competitions, said the club was in a state of shock at news of his death.

Mr Badiani was struck by a Birmingham to London express train at Haddenham and Thame Parkway station just before 8am on Tuesday

Mr Smith said: "His untimely death is still sinking in. Amit was the county's star player and had contributed enormously to the development of young talent over the last six years.

"He was a fearsome opponent but always ethical and courteous, giving his time freely to advise others.

"Amit was a paradoxical mix. He seemed to remember only the odd defeat and embarrassment rather than the many triumphs. He was a great player and a great friend to many. He was certainly the best bridge player in Oxfordshire."

Mr Badiani came to England from Uganda with his family in the 1970s. He arrived in Oxfordshire in 1991 to study for a doctorate in maths at Oxford University, but never completed the degree.

He took up a post with the Bank of England in 1995.

His bridge record was described by fellow players as outstanding. He had won many major competitions, including the Oxon President's Cup, Oxfordshire men's pairs, Swiss pairs, Tuesday championships and the Tuesday Pairs ladder.

British Transport police are still investigating his death.

An inquest has yet to be opened.