Fencing is to be erected where a Shropshire teenager lost his life in a tragic accident, landowners have said.

The move has been backed by south Shropshire coroner, Anthony Sibcy. Mr Sibcy yesterday recorded a verdict of accidental death on 16-year-old Aiden Brookes, who died during an impromptu school holiday camping trip by 20 youngsters to the Hermitage Caves in Bridgnorth.

Graeme Manton, estate manager of landowners, Apley Estates, where the caves are situated, said they were planning to put up 10ft high pallasade fencing to stop anyone else venturing into the caves.

He said the process to apply for permission to put up the fence would begin as soon as the inquest had finished.

Mr Sibcy said: “The proposal should proceed as quickly as possible because of the likelihood of another rock fall which could cause another serious injury or fatality.

“It was a very sad tragedy and I would like to offer my heartfelt sympathy to Mrs Brookes and her family. I can only imagine the terrible emptiness you must have been feeling since the incident.”

The inquest heard Aiden, of Paulbrook Road, Bridgnorth, died from multiple injuries after rocks fell from the roof.

Mr Sibcy said: “I am satisfied that the evidence has not reached the required standard to prove that Aiden Brookes was unlawfully killed. He died as a result of a tragic accident.”

Aiden died in April early this year when he joined friends on an overnight trip to the town’s Heritage Caves, off Lodge Lane.

He was asleep by a campfire when the rocks fell from the ceiling and walls of the caves directly on top of him. He was crushed by the impact. An 18-year-old girl Jessica Wright was seriously injured in the incident but survived.

Expert witness Andrew Bowden, a forensic geologist, said heat from the intense fire started by the youngsters weakened the already fractured rock face causing slabs to fall.

By Brett Gibbons