A MURDERED Belgian railway enthusiast will be commemorated at his favourite station – Crowcombe Heathfield, on the West Somerset Railway.

The killing of Laurent Cordier, 52, on April 6 last year on the street in Namur, where he worked for Belgian Railways, remains a mystery.

It was initially thought he had suffered a heart attack, but as his body was being prepared for burial a small incision was discovered on his back, sparking a murder inquiry.

Mr Cordier had a passion for all things English, especially steam railways, pubs, the countryside and the way of life and belonged to a group called The Hornby Boys.

Crowcombe Heathfield Station was his particular favourite – because of its superb restoration and setting and the fact it was used in the filming by The Beatles in 1964 of A Hard Day's Night.

He was planning to visit England around the time of his death.

His friend Etienne Labar said: "We were shocked that someone as comparatively young, healthy, vigorous and full of life, such as Laurent, could suffer something so catastrophic, that he would die in the street.

"We were even more shocked when it was eventually realised that had been murdered. No-one can think of a motive and his killer or killers have not yet been brought to justice."

The Hornby Boys will be visiting Crowcombe Heathfield during the WSR Steam Gala to unveil a plaque to Mr Cordier's memory in the waiting room on Saturday, Marcy 24.

Mr Labar said: "Crowcombe Heathfield was very much a part of Laurent and now Laurent will be forever a part of Crowcombe Heathfield."