Vicci Thomas, 12, suffered fatal head injuries when she was struck by the cast-iron bars in Osmaston Park, Derby in May 2003.

The ongoing inquest heard police were told a workman was seen inspecting them before the accident.

Two boys, who had been with Vicci, said they had all been shaking the railings.

Railings replaced

They told the hearing they had been shaking and rocking them while "messing about".

The pair escaped uninjured when it toppled over, but Vicci, of Osmaston Park Road, was hit and pronounced dead at Derbyshire Royal Infirmary.

During the hearing, two 14-year-old boys claimed they had seen the railings being checked by a workman from the council.

Since the accident, the city council has removed the railings in the park and replaced them with smaller fencing.

The inquest in Derby was told the park had been a favourite haunt of Vicci's to play football and meet friends.