A retired firefighter was hit by a train just two days after his 67th birthday.

Gary Cook, from Larkfield, died at West Malling railway station after he was struck by a Southeastern service.

The cause of death was given as multiple injuries when an inquest into the father-of-two's death was opened.

Mr Cook, of Falcon Green, off Heron Road, worked as a retained firefighter at the village station in New Hythe Lane, for 21 years. He retired in May 2003.

In a statement from his devastated family, they said: “Gary leaves behind his beloved wife and two sons.”

Emergency services, including the air ambulance, were called to the tragedy in Swan Street shortly after 3.30pm on Sunday, May 17.

The incident caused delays on the Maidstone East line in both directions until around 6pm.

British Transport Police confirmed the death is not being treated as suspicious.

Mr Cook’s funeral will take place on Friday, June 12, at Vinters Park Crematorium, in Bearsted Road, Maidstone. The service will start at 2.45pm.

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