Husband of woman who died from horrific burns was 'smiling and laughing' as she was treated by paramedics

The husband of a woman who died after running into the street on fire was 'smiling and laughing' while she was treated by paramedics, an inquest heard.

Nosheen Akhtar, also known as Sarah Hussain, died after suffering horrific burns at her home in East Street, Bury.

An inquest at Rochdale Coroner's Court has previously heard that Ms Hussain, 31, told paramedics that her husband, Waqas Mahmood, had 'set her on fire'. Mr Mahmood has denied setting fire to his wife and said she set herself ablaze following a row over his ongoing relationship with his ex-wife.

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Today, the inquest heard from PC Dilesh Adesara, who attended the scene of the incident on the evening of July 23, 2021. The police officer described seeing Ms Hussain in the street and said she appeared to have been "burned all over face".

"Her skin had peeled and her face looked like it was covered in ash," he said in a statement read out in court.

After having been at the scene for several minutes, PC Adesara said he noticed Ms Hussain's husband, Waqas Mahmood, talking to two other men, his brother Hasnain Mahmood, and their nephew, Murtza Safeer.

The three men were stood some distance from Ms Hussain as neighbours and paramedics tried to help her. PC Adesara said he "could not understand" why the men were not with Ms Hussain.

"They showed no real concern," he added.

PC Adesara said he saw Waqas Mahmood sitting on a chair receiving treatment for minor injuries he had sustained in the incident.

"He had no concern and had not asked once how his wife was," he recalled. "I asked how he was and he replied while smiling and laughing: "I'm okay."

"I thought this was strange, his lack