Tragic house fire that killed mum and left teen daughter fighting for life started by candle, inquest hears

A tragic house fire that claimed the life of an Oldham mother and left her teenage daughter fighting for life was started by a candle, an inquest has heard.

Sadia Shafiq, 42, died following a fire at her home on St Thomas Street North on June 24 of this year. An inquest held on Tuesday (October 24) at Rochdale Coroner's Court heard how neighbours noted the mum, who was born in Pakistan, often lit a candle in the entrance to her home.

Paying tribute to her shortly after her death, Ms Shafiq's family said she was a 'beloved mother and sister' who would be 'deeply missed'. They added they had been 'devastated' by the loss and described Ms Shafiq as the 'light of all our lives'.

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A pathology report carried out by consultant forensic pathologist Dr Jamie Robinson showed that Ms Shafiq had both cyanide and carboxyhemoglobin present in her blood at the time she died. In the report, which was read out by Coroner Michael Salt, he explained these can be found in the blood after excessive smoke inhalation.

The court heard that neighbours called 999 after hearing smoke alarms and a 'woman screaming' and noticing smoke coming from the property. The fire officer's report, which was prepared by Steve Lloyd, said that Ms Shafiq was found in the bathroom at the top of the stairs and her teenage daughter was found in the bedroom to the rear of the house. Ms Shafiq wa sadly pronounced dead at the scene, while her daughter was rushed to hospital.

In the report, Mr Lloyd said the