Mohammed Farraj died from a head injury at the university's Sportspark after the accident involving a piece of kit known as a Smith machine on October 16.

An inquest into his death, held on Wednesday, heard that the tragedy occurred when the 21-year-old was standing on a plastic aerobics step while using the equipment, so he could strengthen his calves as he lifted the 65kg (143lb) weights.

CCTV footage, shown to the Norfolk Coroner's Court hearing, showed the step tip towards Mr Farraj, a medical student.

This caused him to lose his footing and the bar he had been lifting to drop and strike his neck, forcing him to the ground in an accident known among gym goers as a 'blunt guillotine'.

Mohammed Farraj died at the UEA Sportspark (Image: Newsquest)

The device consists of a horizontal bar bell running vertically up and down on rails and can be used for a variety of exercises.

The plastic aerobic step which Mr Farraj, who was born in Stoke-on-Trent, was using was not part of the machine.

In a statement, a senior fitness adviser said safety blocks on the machine that would have prevented the weight from falling to the ground were set to the lowest level and did not stop the bar until it had almost reached the floor.

Det Sgt Robert Waring, of Norfolk Police, said there had been "no third-party involvement" and that the equipment was not faulty.

He described the incident as "tragic" and said incorrect use of the step block meant the accident was avoidable.

He said it was “intended for a different purpose”, and that a weight disk could have been used instead.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found there had been no criminal health and safety failings.

........

© Norwich Evening News