A MAN died after he set himself alight on an electric cooker while under the influence of alcohol, an inquest heard.
Trevor Winn, 53, was found on the kitchen floor of his home in Aspen Court, Great Lumley, near Durham.
Fire investigators suspect his sleeve caught fire while he lit a cigarette, and spread quickly to the rest of his clothes.
The inquest heard he would have been overcome by fumes.
A post-mortem examination revealed a blood alcohol limit that would have put him four times over the drink-drive limit.
An unemployed divorcee, he was also suffering from alcoholic liver disease.
Neighbour Chris Kane tried to rescue Mr Winn when he heard the smoke alarm, but was unable to reach him after he broke into the first-floor flat because of the fumes.
His efforts were praised by Coroner Andrew Tweddle, who recorded a verdict of accidental death
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article