HEALTH and safety and gas experts are checking a gas fire after a 61-year-old bachelor died from carbon monoxide poisoning.
The investigation was launched after the death last week of Stephen Hindmarch, who was found lying on a sofa in the front room of his home in Queen Street, Shildon.
The gas fire was still on when his body was discovered last Thursday.
Consultant pathologist Dr Tony Senadhira found that the carbon monoxide level in Mr Hindmarch's blood was as high as 65 per cent. This was well within the fatal range, he told an inquest that opened at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court yesterday.
Mr Hindmarch suffered from diabetes and took medication for high blood pressure, the hearing was told.
Darlington and South West Durham Colin Penna adjourned inquest
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