The family of a steam railway volunteer who was crushed to death between carriages in North Yorkshire is seeking “substantial damages”.

Retired police officer Robert Lund, 65, died almost instantly from “extreme” chest and abdominal injuries on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR). Mr Lund, from Beverley, East Yorkshire, was working as a guard when he was fatally injured at Grosmont Station on May 21 last year.

A jury at North Yorkshire Coroner’s Court in Scarborough found the father-of-one’s death was a tragic accident.

The family’s lawyer, Kevin Hughes, said the verdict was “expected”. He said: “It reinforces our view that a civil claim is likely to produce substantial damages.”

Following the verdict, NYMR said it was “understandable” Mr Lund’s family had launched civil proceedings.

General manager Philip Benham said: “I want to say how much we respected Bob Lund. There’s a feeling of tremendous sympathy for Bob’s family and a wish to support them in every way we can.”