Two railway workers killed by a train on tracks near Port Talbot in south Wales have been named.

In a statement issued by British Transport Police, the family of 58-year-old Michael “Spike” Lewis said: “He was known by everyone, and loved by everyone.

“We would like to thank everyone so much for their support during this difficult time and ask that we are now given the space we need to grieve.”

Lewis and Gareth Delbridge, 64, of Kenfig Hill, were struck and killed by a train because they were wearing ear defenders and could not hear it coming. 

A post on Twitter from Delbridge’s local rugby club Kenfig Hill RFC, said his death was “tragic”.

It said: “The fatal accident in Margam involving workers from Network Rail included one of our own, Gareth ‘Gazzers’ Delbridge.

“We offer our deepest sympathy to Gareth’s family at this desperately sad time.”

Gary Chappell, treasurer of the rugby club, told the BBC: “He was an absolutely fantastic guy. I know people say when somebody dies that he was a nice guy but he was an absolutely class-one really, really nice guy.

“He always had a smile on his face. It’s been devastating, absolutely tragic.”

A third casualty was treated for shock at the scene but was uninjured.

The men died after being hit by the passenger service while working on tracks near Port Talbot in South Wales on Wednesday morning, according to British Transport Police (BTP).

Union bosses have called for a full investigation into the deaths, which involved the 9.29am service from Swansea to London Paddington, a 10-carriage GWR Intercity Express Train, and one of 93 in the fleet.