Safety probe after train toilet floor missing

An investigation has been launched after a mother and her young son discovered the floor of a train toiletcompartmentwasmissing.

After opening the door she caught hold of the boy to stop him falling on to the exposed train wheels, according to the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB).

They were both reportedly left shocked and the child suffered minor bruising, investigators said.

The incident occurred on the South Devon Railway (SDR) steam heritage line between Staverton and Buckfastleigh on 22 June as the train was travelling at around 20 mph.

Engineers had dismantled the floor to access the carriage’s braking system for repairs.

A spokesman for the attraction said: “Something clearly went wrong.”