A MAN who died after a house fire was found by firefighters inside a walk-in wardrobe, a Selby inquest was told.

Graeme Ramsay died of smoke inhalation after fire broke out in the bedroom of a dormer bungalow in Broadacres, Carlton.

The 40-year-old bachelor moved into the bungalow of brothers Robert and Alan Thornton two and a half years ago.

Awoken by his dog in the early hours of the morning, Robert Thornton smelled smoke and went upstairs to investigate.

He told the inquest he tried to enter the bedroom, but there was thick smoke and intense heat, and he could not get round the door.

Mr Thornton said: "I was shouting for Graeme to come out but got no response."

He then shut the door, and roused his brother who phoned the fire brigade.

Mr Thornton said he then went back upstairs and tackled the fire himself using buckets of water, but couldn't get immediately behind the door where the fire appeared to be seated.

Ian Wilkinson, a retained firefighter based at Snaith, said he saw hot embers and the remains of an armchair when he entered the bedroom.

In the corner of the room was a walk-in wardrobe where he found Mr Ramsay crouched with his knees up to his chin and his hands round his knees. He was unconscious.

Mr Ramsay was rushed to York District Hospital where he died the following day.

Alan Thornton said Mr Ramsay had become tragically depressive within a very short time. He could not get a job anywhere and had problems with his groin which depressed him.

He said Mr Ramsay had told him there was danger out there and he might get hurt.

Coroner Jeremy Cave said there was no hard evidence that Mr Ramsay had started the fire himself, although the fire service felt that deliberate ignition was the most likely cause.

He said there was no indication that he was contemplating taking his own life, and recorded an open verdict.

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