Tributes for window tragedy lawyer

The family of a lawyer killed when a half-tonne wooden window frame toppled on to her as she walked in the street paid tribute to "a wonderful and special person".

Amanda Telfer, 44, who also acted as a volunteer investigator for a charity helping Guantanamo Bay inmates and people facing the death penalty around the world, died after the 13ft by 13ft window fell on her as she walked past, an inquest heard.

Her family paid tribute in a statement released through the Metropolitan Police.

"To us, Amanda was, is and will always be a wonderful and special person," they said.

"One of our only consolations right now is that she was so happy on the day she was taken from this world.

"What happened is all very painful and yet seems unreal. It is made harder that our private grief is coupled with a public story - and so we hope you understand why it is too hard to find words to speak about this further at this time."

The frame, which had been propped up against a wall, pinned Ms Telfer her to the ground in Hanover Street, central London, the hearing at Westminster Coroner's Court was told.

Members of the public lifted the frame off her and tried to resuscitate her before paramedics arrived and did the same.

But Ms Telfer, who was single, of Vogans Mill Wharf, Mill Street, near Tower Bridge in south London, was pronounced dead shortly after at 11.57am last Thursday.

Coroner Dr Fiona Wilcox opened and adjourned the inquest, which was not attended by any family members, to allow the Metropolitan Police and Health And Safety Executive (HSE) to continue their investigation.