Inquest opens into death of 'lovely' dad killed in tragic flat fire

An inquest has been opened into the death of a 'gentleman' who was killed in a devastating flat fire. Ralph Brown had been at home on Eldon Street, Oldham, when the blaze broke out on Sunday, July 16.

Rochdale Coroners Court heard this morning (July 26) that attempts to 'revive' the 58-year-old dad, who was born in Oldham, had been unsuccessful. Emma Campbell, police coroners officer at Greater Manchester Police, told the court that Mr Brown was single at the time of his death and had never worked.

Ms Campbell said police and firefighters attended the scene after the blaze had been reported by a resident opposite the flat. An investigation from GMP and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) concluded that there were no suspicious circumstances involved in the fire.

Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features

Mr Brown had been registered as living at the property with Oldham Council and there was medication at the property which had his name on it, Ms Campbell confirmed. She explained how she identified Mr Brown at Royal Oldham Hospital due to the 'distinctive' tattoo of his son's name on his right arm, which was described to her by his daughter.

Ms Campbell added: "I had a conversation with the daughter on the telephone, who described it to me. I attended Royal Oldham Hospital and was able to confirm [Mr Brown's ID]."

The inquest was adjourned until November 29, 2023. Matthew Cox, assistant coroner for Greater Manchester North, said further information will be needed from Mr Brown's GP and GMFRS ahead of the inquest.

A statement from GMFRS following the incident said three fire engines attended the scene, where the blaze had broken out in a second floor