THE family of a Durham man who died after being struck by a lorry on a pedestrian crossing say they want someone to be prosecuted over his death.

Jake Thompson died five days after the incident in May 2011.

Earlier this year a coroner ruled that his death was accidental.

The inquest in Somerset heard it was unclear whether the traffic light was red when the 27-year-old stepped onto the A37 in Bristol and sustained head injuries.

The hearing was told it had been established lorry driver Paul Vowles was travelling at 38mph in a 30mph zone moments before the incident.

However, Coroner, Maria Voisin, said the case was clouded by contradictory witness evidence, while Sergeant David Loat, who led the investigation into the incident, said police had not been able to trace a number of witnesses.

As a result, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said there was no realistic prospect of a criminal conviction.

It is now being reported that solicitors for Mr Thompson’s family, who are from Belmont, have heavily criticised the original police investigation.

The police, in response, say they will continue to hold regular meetings with the late teaching assistant’s parents, John and Janet Thompson.

Today, Mr Thompson's father is quoted as saying: “We just want to feel that Jake’s life mattered, he is not forgotten about.”