A 74-year-old wheelchair user died when an external lift at his home failed and he plunged to the ground.

Many years ago had designed the lift to help him gain access to the ground level of his flat in Harts Close, Teignmouth, an inquest was told.

Coroner's officer Jim Stein told a Plymouth hearing: ‘The lift was external to the property and operated through trap doors in the decking of the balcony.

‘As he was using the lift, the lift failed and descended to the ground throwing Mr Eastough out of the lift which he uses with his wheelchair.

’His son took him to his bedroom where he lost consciousness and could not be saved.

The inquest heard there are no suspicious circumstances and a full inquest will be held later.