Inquests open into dad and daughter's fire deaths

The fire broke out a a house in Russell Close, Heckmondwike, on 8 June

An inquest has opened into the deaths of a father and his nine-year-old daughter who died as a result of a house fire.

Sohaib Ahmed, 39, died at his home in Russell Close, Heckmondwike, after the blaze broke out at around 06:15 BST on 8 June.

His daughter, Manahal Nazir Ahmed, was taken to Pinderfields Hospital following the fire but died later the same day.

The inquest was opened at Bradford Coroners Court on Tuesday morning before being adjourned to 14 October.

During the hearing a preliminary cause of death for Mr Ahmed, a taxi driver who was originally from Pakistan, was said to be inhalation of gasses.

Manahal, who was born in Dewsbury, was said to have died as a result of brain injury, cardiac arrest and inhalation of gases.

Speaking in June, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority chairman Darren O'Donovan said it was "possible" the fire may have started in the family's tumble dryer.

An 11-year-old girl who was also in the house was taken to hospital following the fire where her condition was described at the time as critical.

The hearings have been scheduled to return to the court for a review on 14 October and for a full inquest on 17 December.

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