Inquest opened into deaths of party duo
COURT HEARS DETAILS OF HOW MUM-OF-FIVE AND YOUNG MAN PERISHED IN HOUSE BLAZE
CHILLING details of how two young people perished in a blaze were revealed at the opening of an inquest into their deaths.
Reece Schofield, 24, and mum-of-five, Samantha Mills, 31, were among the seven partygoers - four men and three women - at the property in Clare Hill when disaster struck in the early hours of Tuesday, March 23.
Six people were taken to hospital, with Ms Mills and Mr Schofield dying days later.
Coroners officer Jonathan
Dolby told Assistant Coroner Angela Brocklehurst during a hearing at Bradford Coroner’s Court seven people entered the Clare Hill property at 5.30am.
Half an hour later the blaze started.
He said that Ms Mills and Mr Schofield were stuck in the attic while three others escaped onto the roof.
Mr Schofield, a single man from Mirfield, died at Harrogate District Hospital on March 29 and was identified to the authorities by his mum, Lisa.
Ms Mills, who was born in Hull, died at Calderdale Royal Hospital on March 26 and was identified by her brother Ashley.
Mrs Brocklehurst asked for reports from West Yorkshire Police, hospital reports, toxicology evidence and a statement from West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service to be filed to her within 28 days.
The inquest was adjourned to a future date pending the criminal investigation.
Craig Collier, 34, of Clare Hill, has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life and perverting the course of justice.