Father killed after he stumbled onto railway tracks

A businessman who was struck by a train at a Black Country railway station tragically died as a result of an accident, it emerged at his inquest.

Eric Marsh, who was aged 42, died after he stumbled on a platform, ultimately falling into the path of a passing train at Langley Green Station shortly after 3pm on July 8.

His partner Shanti Bromfield paid tribute to the father and grandfather, whom she described "as the perfect gentleman" at his inquest held at Smethwick Council House yesterday.

Giving evidence she said Mr Marsh, also a sales consultant, had run a shoe shop in Piccadilly Arcade, Birmingham after previously owning Dibbles Shoes in London.

"He was a perfect gentleman, of the old school. He was chivalrous and would open car doors for people. He was the perfect father and grandfather, and was extremely hard working.

"He ran his own business for well over a decade. He did a lot of international business and spent time in Italy and London. He led a full life was a very conscientious and humble person, very family-orientated. He was an Arsenal fan because he came from Highbury," Mrs Bromfield said.

She also told the hearing due to the recession and a hike in prices a decision was taken to close the Birmingham shop, but she said their debts were manageable.

Closed circuit television cameras showed Mr Marsh, of Tipton Road, Smethwick, had been sitting on a bench on the Birmingham-bound platform moments before the tragedy and stood up as the train approached.

British Transport Police coroner's liaison officer Malcolm Dobson told the hearing several witnesses, saw Mr Marsh stumble before he fel. Black Country Coroner Mr Robin Balmain said there was no alcohol or drugs in his system. He recorded a verdict that Mr Marsh died as a result of an accident.