Man due to answer bail gassed himself at motorhome

An inquest at Burnley Coroner’s Court heard how Mr Michael Kirkbright was found dead in his motorhome on July 28th at Cafe Cargo, Foulridge.

East Lancashire Coroner Mr Richard Taylor told the hearing that Mr Kirkbright was due to answer police bail on an undisclosed matter.

He said that when his body was discovered, a mobile petrol-driven generator was found switched on.

Mr Taylor said: “There was a strong smell of fumes in the motorhome and the generator was empty. All the windows and doors were closed.

“A note was found at the scene which indicated that certain money was to be used for funeral purposes.”

Pathologist Dr Richard Prescott, who conducted the post-mortem examination, said that Mr Kirkbright had died from carbon monoxide toxicity.

Mr Taylor said: “Given the circumstances I have little alternative but to return a conclusion of suicide.”