INQUESTS on the 10 Selby rail disaster victims have opened with the promise to investigate all the facts "fully, thoroughly and fearlessly".

Coroner David Hinchliff opened and adjourned the inquest at Harrogate Magistrates Court as family members of some of those killed in the tragedy heard about the methods which were used to identify the dead.

The 10 people lost their lives on February 28 when the 5.59am York to London express train hit a Land Rover on the East Coast line near the village of Great Heck, before colliding with a freight train, the hearing was told.

Details of initial post-mortem results were heard.

The inquest was told that victims sustained neck injuries, chest injuries, multiple injuries, and head injuries.

They were identified by fingerprints found at their home addresses, personal effects found in their pockets, visual identification and from dental records, the inquest heard.

lThe Yorkshire Law Society, today warned the families of train crash victims to be wary of being hounded by unscrupulous people looking to profit from their distress and offering dubious services.

"It is important that people needing advice and assistance in these dreadful circumstances are looked after by people bound by professional regulations and who have experience in these matters," said a spokesman.

Updated: 11:08 Saturday, March 10, 2001