Pensioner died after falling down escalator in Eastbourne store

Thomas Hassall suffered bleeding on the brain after tumbling down the escalator in M&S on June 9 during a holiday to the town.

An inquest heard the 87-year-old from Stoke-on-Trent was with his wife Barbara at the time.

Mrs Hasall, the inquest heard, lost her balance and bumped into her husband who then fell backwards and hit his head.

Mr Halsall was rushed to Eastbourne DGH and transferred to Brighton before returning to Stoke-on-Trent for hospital treatment and rehabilitation.

His condition deteriorated and he died on August 28.

At the inquest, Mr Halsall’s death was put down to a subdural haematoma due to the fall with contributory factors including a history of heart disease, prostate cancer, COPD and pneumoconiosis.

North Staffordshire assistant coroner Sarah Murphy recorded a narrative conclusion and said his death was due to complications following the fall.