Police were today investigating the death of a pensioner shortly after she tried to climb aboard a seafront train.

The 88-year-old from Somerset damaged her right shin as she climbed on to the unattended train which was parked outside Eastbourne pier, Grand Parade, on Friday morning.

She was taken by ambulance to the Eastbourne District General Hospital but released the same day.

The woman, who has not yet been named, returned to her hotel where she collapsed and died.

The council-run miniature trains run along Eastbourne seafront during the tourist season.

A council spokesman said: "The lady cut her knee while trying to board the out-of-service, stationary train before the start of its morning service.

"A pier employee attended to her cut knee and an ambulance was called. She was taken to the hospital and later discharged."

Police were today treating the incident as a road traffic accident and appealed for witnesses to contact Polegate traffic police on 0845 6070999.