Inquest opens into death of Leicestershire police chief

A suspended Leicestershire Police chief who was "under severe pressure" stepped to his death in front of a 60mph passenger train, an inquest was told today. Assistant Chief Constable Gordon Fraser was killed in Aston Magna, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, shortly after midday on Friday.

Deputy Gloucestershire coroner David Dooley heard that 49-year-old Mr Fraser walked onto the line and then turned his back to the train just before it hit him.

Mr Fraser and his wife, Teresa, had been due to face court in St Alban's yesterday on a charge of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice over an alleged speeding offence.

He was also suspended from duty over allegations of fraud and gross misconduct involving an overseas property business.

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After hearing the circumstances of Mr Fraser's death, the deputy coroner said: "There was a gentleman here under severe pressure, especially given his occupation and position?"

Detective Inspector Paul Langley, of British Transport Police, who gave evidence at today's inquest opening at Gloucester Coroner's court, replied: "Correct."

Coroner's officer Terry Onions told the inquest: "The circumstances were that at about 12.17pm the Paddington to Hereford train was doing 55-60mph when it reached this location.

"A male person was seen to walk from bushes on the left hand side and step onto the railway track. As the train approached the person turned his back towards it and he was struck."

Mr Onions added that the cause of death was multiple injuries.

The deputy coroner formally opened and adjourned the inquest to a date to be fixed. He gave permission for the body to be released for cremation.