Bradford mother and baby died after being found on fire
A mother and her baby died after she was found on fire in the garden of her home while 24 weeks pregnant, an inquest has heard.Maryam Riaz, 40, was taken to hospital after the incident at her home on Dawnay Road in Bradford on 27 October last year.Bradford Coroner's Court was told that her son was born by emergency Caesarean section, but both mother and baby did not survive their injuries.Assistant coroner Ian Pears recorded a conclusion of suicide for Ms Riaz, and one of unlawful killing for her child.
The inquest heard evidence from Ms Riaz's sister-in-law, Samina Akhtar, who said she was a "wonderful person that our family loved".The mother-of-two was divorced and expecting a child with a new partner, but had sought advice from her GP about an abortion. However, the procedure was not possible as the legal limit is 23 weeks and six days.Her GP, Dr Tasneem Ishfaq from Horton Park Medical Practice, had expressed her sadness on hearing about the death of Ms Riaz.
'No coercion'
Det Con Anthony Eroja, from West Yorkshire Police, told the inquest there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Ms Riaz's death.He said CCTV had been checked from around the estate and there was no evidence of anything untoward. When the baby's father was told the news, Det Con Eroja said he was "distraught". He later gave a statement to police but detectives were satisfied there was "no pressure or coercion from him" towards Ms Riaz.
A post-mortem examination found Ms Riaz suffered extensive burns on more than 90% of her body. Mr Pears said: "Suicide is the most obvious verdict, it is not looking accidental and there was no third-party involvement."On 27 October, she deliberately set herself alight and died from burns at Leeds General Infirmary. The verdict will be recorded as suicide."Based on the evidence that I have heard, I understand Maryam was under a certain amount of pressure, in relation to her pregnancy and her future."Mr Pears recorded a conclusion of unlawful killing for her son, known as Baby Riaz.He said: "Baby Riaz was born by emergency Caesarean but despite best efforts died in hospital by hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy [brain damage caused by a lack of blood or oxygen to the brain.]"If you have been affected by this report, you can find further support via the BBC Action Line.
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