A RECLUSIVE man who rarely left his house and kept it tightly bolted and locked, died after a fire at his home, an inquest heard yesterday.
Colin White, 58, of Keswick Drive, Spennymoor, died on June 6 last year.
An open verdict was recorded at the inquest into his death at South Durham Coroners' Court.
The inquest heard Mr White died from heart failure which was probably as a result of smoke inhalation. He sustained some burns to his body, but they were not fatal.
His brother, Eric White, also of Spennymoor, said Mr White had become increasingly reclusive after their mother died 21 years ago.
The inquest heard the fire had started in a wastepaper bin in the main bedroom of the house. A bottle, which had contained petrol, was discovered.
Mr White was found in the bathroom of the house, he had a note in his pocket.
Brenda Davidson, deputy coroner, returned an open verdict because she said she was not certain Mr White had intended to commit suicide.
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