The inquest into the death of Ian Tomlinson opened today with a visit to the scene of his collapse at the G20 protests in the City of London two years ago.

A jury of four women and seven men toured the spot near the Bank of England where the 47-year-old news-vendor fell to the ground.

They are hearing the first day of evidence at the hearing which is likely to last up to six weeks.

His family from the Isle of Dogs in East London accused the authorities at the time of a cover-up.

Ian’s collapse on the pavement became global news in April, 2009, after amateur video footage challenged the official version of events into how he died.

A pathologist found ‘natural causes’—but the video showed him being pushed to the ground by a police officer.

He died after staggering 100 yards and falling to the ground.

Pc Simon Harwood escaped prosecution, but faces being sacked under misconduct proceedings.

The inquest is examining the actions of police, the pathologist, the coroner and independent investigators in the aftermath of Mr Tomlinson’s death.

Protesters dressed in black led a march two weeks after the incident in silent procession from Bethnal Green police station to the City to lay wreaths at the spot where Ian fell.

The family joined the vigil outside The Bank. Ian’s stepson Paul King told the crowd his family were hopeful that action would be taken against any officer who contributed through their conduct to his father’s death.

That move came a step nearer today with the opening of the inquest.