PRELIMINARY investigations into the death of a Bury woman who died following a house fire suggest that a cigarette could have started the blaze.

Former cleaner Mrs Patricia Lillian Watson (51), of Rydal Close, Bury, was pulled from the burning house by fire fighters last Friday (May 16) but later died in hospital.

Mrs Watson, a known heavy drinker and smoker, had been asleep in the house when she became overcome by fumes.

Evidence of identification at the Wednesday's (May 21) opening of the inquest into the death of Mrs Watson, was given by her husband, Mr Roy Watson, of Padiham Close, Bury.

Although the couple lived apart, Mr Watson told Rochdale District Coroner, Mr Barrie Williams, that he and his wife of three years had been out the day before the fire at the Pack Horse Hotel in Bury.

On the way to Mrs Watson's home, the couple stopped at an off-licence and bought sherry and cider.

Mr Watson later left the house in Rydal Close, but returned because he had left his dentures. He was told by his wife to go home.

The following day he went to Rydal Close, where firemen and police were present, and he was told that Mrs Watson was dead. He later identified the body in Bury General Hospital.

Coroner's officer Mr Joe Cassells said samples were taken from the scene in relation to carbon monoxide and alcohol, and a possible cause of the fire was put down to a cigarette.

The inquest was adjourned for more detailed reports.

Speaking after the opening, Mr Watson described his wife's death as "a tragic accident."

He said: "I couldn't speak after it happened, and now I am just about managing to get through the days."

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