THE parents of a young man killed when he was hit by a lorry on a pedestrian crossing have welcomed the news police are to re-open the inquiry into his death.

Jake Thompson, 27, from Belmont, Durham City, died in May 2011 and parents John and Janet have fought a 20-month campaign to get justice.

Jake was struck by a speeding lorry while on a crossing on the A37 in Bristol, where he was living.

The teaching assistant, who graduated from Northumbria University and worked with children with special needs, died in hospital five days later from severe head injuries.

At his inquest, eye witnesses and a tachograph on board the lorry confirmed the vehicle was travelling over the 30pmh limit prior to the accident.

But both Avon and Somerset Police and the Crown Prosecution Service decided there was insufficient evidence to prosecute the driver.

John and Janet have been frustrated and disappointed that since Jake’s death no action has been taken.

However, officers at Avon and Somerset are to re-open their inquiry.

Janet said: “It’s been a difficult journey and we’re not there yet, but John and I promised one another that if it was the last thing we did for Jake, it would be to make sure it went on record that his death was not an accident and that the driving displayed by the driver fell below an acceptable standard.

“Without the support of David Robinson and his colleagues at Thompsons Solicitors, we would never have got this far.

“We are pleased that Avon and Somerset Police are taking our complaint seriously and hope that this re-investigation sheds new light on the events leading to the death of our only son.”

Mr Robinson, who has represented the family throughout their campaign, said: “The re-opening of a formal police inquiry is a positive step.

“This is an opportunity for them to set aside past mistakes, pursue every lead and conduct a thorough investigation.

“I will be making contact with the lead officer of the inquiry to set in place a timeline.

“For too long the question as to why a young man was left dead while a speeding driver walked away with a clean licence has remained unanswered. For the sake of the Thompson family, we will be working to ensure this inquiry is dealt with without delay.”

An investigation into the conduct of four officers involved in the original investigation is set to conclude on Friday, after which the Thompson family will be notified if any disciplinary action will be taken.