A MAN with learning difficulties jumped in front of a train and killed himself after claims he was bullied at work, an inquest heard.

Described as a loving and bubbly person, 21-year-old Steven Telford died from multiple injuries when he leaped in front of a train in Redcar, east Cleveland, on September 18 last year.

An inquest into his death yesterday revealed claims that the former athletics coach had been the victim of bullying at Safestyle UK window company, in Middlesbrough, where he worked as a sales manager.

But staff from the company denied any bullying took place, instead claiming there had only been "lads banter".

A spokesman from the company last night said it would carry out a full investigation into the allegations.

Teesside Coroner's Court heard how Mr Telford, of West View, Redcar, had been born with a cleft palate and suffered from learning difficulties.

But his father, retired police officer John Telford, said his son's problems and facial appearance never got him down.

Mr Telford, 57, said: "He coped very well. He was always cheerful. No one seemed bothered about his features - not until he started to look for employment. He found it very difficult to get employment."

But he said his son started to change when he began working with Safestyle UK.

He moved out of his parent's home and later stopped visiting, requesting his father only communicate to him through a friend, Debbie Wood, who owned a newsagents, in Redcar.

Simon Blakemore, who used to work with Mr Telford at Safestyle, told the hearing a lot of bullying took place at work, with regular physical fights. He said: "Telford was the main victim of the bullying, but I don't know why. There was always fighting going on."

On the day of his death, the inquest heard Mr Telford had been involved in a fight at work with another member of staff, Phillip Lynch.

It resulted in Mr Lynch being stabbed four times by Mr Telford with a penknife.

Responding to the bullying claims, staff member Kieran Feenix said: "He was never bullied. No one was bullied in that office. People did name call, but it was not harsh."

A jury yesterday returned a verdict that Mr Telford killed himself.

Speaking outside the court, Mr Telford said he was angry with Safestyle and that he hoped some good could come out of the tragedy.

A spokesman for Safestyle UK said: "The developments of today's inquest have come as a great shock to all concerned with Safestyle UK, especially those with involvement in our Middlesbrough branch.

"Due to the tragic nature of this case and the serious allegations of bullying in the branch, we again intend to commence a full and thorough investigation.

"Safestyle UK have a zero tolerance policy for incidents of bullying and harassment."