AN inquest was opened into the deaths of an Asian mother and her two young children yesterday.

Nabeala Hussain, 23, of Gresham Road, Middlesbrough, was found dead with her son Danial, three, and 22-month-old daughter Salia Mariam in the back of the burned-out car earlier this month.

Teesside coroner Michael Sheffield opened the inquest into their deaths and heard her husband, Pervez Akhtar, 30, provide evidence to identify the bodies of his family.

Mr Akhtar, born in Pakistan but living in Gresham Road, told the hearing he identified the bodies at Middlesbrough General Hospital on the day of the tragedy, on Thursday, January 9.

The inquest was adjourned for police to carry out further inquiries. Police investigating the deaths say they have still to establish why Mrs Hussain deliberately started the fire and how she came to have £20,000 stuffed in a bag of washing on the back seat.

Detective Inspector Karnail Dulku said they are still baffled about what drove her to take such drastic measures.

He said: "I am totally satisfied there was no foul play. However, we still have no idea why she had this money.

"I don't think there is a wall of silence within the Asian community. I think the family must know something.

"They have been saying that everything was fine before this happened, but I do not accept that.

"Now they are answering my questions with the help of a solicitor. This is not necessary, they are not suspects.

"The answer must lie with them. It is unfortunate because I feel I owe it to the children to find out exactly what happened and why."

Det Insp Dulku has renewed his appeal for information and asked anyone with information about the incident to contact him on (01642) 303315.

* The funerals of the victims take place today at the mosque in Waterloo Road, Middlesbrough, at 1.30pm.