NEIGHBOURS have spoken of their shock at the death of a Copmanthorpe man who was killed on a railway line near the village.

David Lord, 52, of Barons Crescent, was struck by a train shortly after 5am on Tuesday, close to Temple Lane in the village, and pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

Neighbour Nigel Ellerker said he was shocked at the news of Mr Lord’s death.

“I’ve lived next door to him for about four years. He was a friendly, outgoing guy, a good neighbour. If you needed a hand with something, he was there.

“I heard on Tuesday morning that he had died, and it was a shock. Last time I saw him he seemed fine and normal.”

Residents of Barons Crescent referred to Mr Lord as a happy man, who had given driving lessons to many people in the village with his company, Premier Driving School.

An inquest was opened and adjourned yesterday.