A MAN who died in a house fire in Burnley had complained to his father of threats that his house would be burnt down, an inquest was told.

Ivan Parker, 47, was found dead in a bedroom at his home in Clay Street, Burnley, in the early hours of Saturday, March 20.

He died of smoke and toxic fume inhalation but had also suffered other injuries which are still being investigated by police. A local man has appeared in court charged with murder.

Ronald Parker of Rutland Avenue, Burnley, told the Burnley inquest his son was divorced and lived alone.

He was a motor mechanic but had not worked for a long time because of a brain haemorrhage when he was 26, which had left him weak in one arm. He also suffered epilepsy and abdominal problems.

Mr Parker told East Lancashire coroner David Smith: "He had received threats that his house would be burnt down.

Mr Parker said that a week before the fire he spoke to his son about another house he had found for him.

Mr Parker said: "He said 'thanks very much dad'.He seemed quite happy didn't talk about threats on that occasion, he just said 'Thank God I am getting out of here'." On the Saturday he was contacted by someone who had heard the news of his son's death on the radio and was then asked by police to go to identify his son.

Home Office pathologist Dr William Lawler said: "There were one or two injuries on the body, the exact nature of which are subject to further police inquiries." He said the injuries were recent but could have been several hours before his death.

Dr Lawler said he was satisfied that Mr Parker was alive when the fire started. He must have been unconscious at a very early stage and blistering on the body took place after death.

"I am satisfied he died from inhalation of smoke and toxic fumes generated in that type of fire."

Det Insp Ron Griffiths said: "Further inquiries are being made into the injuries found on his body.

"A person has been charged with the murder of Mr Parker and I am asking for the inquest to be adjourned."

Adjourning the inquest indefinitely, Mr Smith said it was most likely it would not be resumed if the murder allegation was heard at the Crown Court.

He told Mr Parker that a second post mortem examination had been carried out at the request of the person charged with murder.

He said: "Hopefully, your son's body will now be released in a day or so to allow you to make arrangements for the funeral."

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