THE family of a teaching assistant who died after being hit by a speeding lorry claimed a victory in their fight for justice tonight.

John Thompson, whose 27-year-old son Jake died five days after being knocked down on a pedestrian crossing on the A37 in Bristol in May last year, claimed senior police officers are to recommend the original investigation into the crash should be reopened.

Mr Thompson hopes this will lead to the driver, Paul Vowles, being prosecuted.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said the investigation had not been reopened but if an ongoing inquiry threw anything up, this would have to be reviewed.

Mr Thompson, of Belmont, Durham City, was speaking following a meeting with senior officers in Newcastle today.

They are conducting an inquiry into the original police investigation, launched after a complaint from the Thompson family.

Mr Thompson said the officers had told him: they had found there was a case to answer regarding the complaint; they would recommend the investigation be reopened; and four officers who held senior or supervisory roles in the investigation had been formally notified their actions were being investigated.

The inquiry is ongoing and could lead to misconduct charges.

Superintendent Ian Wylie, head of the force’s professional standards department, said it would be improper to discuss any details while the complaint was being investigated.

The Crown Prosecution Service is examining the evidence for the third time but awaiting the outcome of the inquiry before making a decision on whether to bring charges against Mr Vowles.

Mr Thompson said: “Today was very constructive. The officers were very open and frank that they will look at the facts of the case again. It was a very satisfying meeting.

“It’s a shame it’s taken so long and it’s another Christmas when it’s still hanging over us, but at least the investigation is going to be looked at.”

Mr Thompson also claimed police had found a new witness to the crash.

An inquest into his son’s death heard the lorry which hit him had recorded an average speed of 38mph in a 30mph zone shortly before the crash.