THREATS of divorce and a drugs raid on her home could have led to a North-East woman dousing herself in white spirit and setting herself alight, an inquest heard.

But the exact circumstances surrounding Tasleen Hussain's death remain a mystery.

Mrs Hussain's still-burning body was discovered in the smoke-filled garage of her Middlesbrough home by her stepchildren in April.

Officers who investigated the tragedy said there was a "complex and disturbing history" surrounding the family

The 35-year-old mother-of-two's body was so badly burned that she had to be identified using dental records.

Teesside Coroners' Court heard that her 56-year-old husband, Maherban Hussain, who has three children with his first wife, tried to persuade her to get sterilised against her wishes and threatened to divorce her if she didn't agree.

Mrs Hussain had previously been divorced after enduring an unhappy and childless 12-year marriage.

The tragedy was initially treated as suspicious by Cleveland Police as it bore distinct similarities to the death of Mr Hussain's first wife in 1999.

Detective Inspector Chris Sadler said that the couple's house, in Cambridge Road, had been raided by officers in March after Mr Hussain's eldest son, Mumtaz, had been arrested in Glasgow with £50,000 worth of cocaine in his car.

During the raid officers confiscated £54,000 in cash from the property but ruled out any connection with Mrs Hussain's death.

He said: "There is a complex and disturbing history with this family.

"The investigation into the death of Tasleen was treated as suspicious. There was a lot of rumour, speculation and misinformation."

He added that Tasleen's family had raised concern in Pakistan that the investigation was not being carried out properly.

"There was no evidence whatsoever to show they (her husband and three stepchildren) were involved in the death of Tasleen.

"Although homicide cannot be completely discounted, it is not the most likely cause of death."

He added both of Mr Hussain's wives were insured for £250,000 each.

"His first wife died in somewhat similar circumstances. Both women were highly insured."

Mr Hussain denied trying to force his wife to get sterilised but said they had discussed the option.

And he added that the drugs raid had played on her mind but said there was no strain on family relations between his wife and his three eldest children.

Home office pathologist William Lawler said the cause of death was burns and the effects of heat.

Recording an open verdict, Teesside Coroner Michael Sheffield said there was not enough evidence to show that Mrs Hussain intended to take her own life.

He said: "Tasleen was expected to be sterilised and she didn't want it and there was the threat of divorce if she didn't undergo sterilisation. There was also the drugs raid on the house.

"In Tasleen's mind, these issues may not have gone away. It is a possibility that one or more played a part in her death but we will probably never know.

"There is some evidence to show concern but there is also Tasleen's state of mind.

"However, there is no precise evidence to show her state of mind before she ignited and why.

"If she intended to take her own life, there was no message or statement left behind to explain why."