Arranged-marriage son took his own life

AN Oldham man took his own life only six days before his arranged marriage, an inquest heard yesterday.

Mohammed Ashraf Ali (28) was found dead in the shower of his parent’s home in Cottam Street on May 20 after slashing his neck twice with a knife.

His mother Amiran and father Abrim found their son’s body and two kitchen knives.

Family memberst told the inquest in Heywood they were completely shocked by the event, and that there had been no signs of Mr Ali being unhappy about his forthcoming wedding. Mrs Ali said their son had chosen an arranged marriage after being offered that or a “westernised” marriage.

Mrs Ali said: “He said he was happy to be getting married. I can’t think of anything playing on his mind at the time.

On the day of his death Mr Ali was due to go to Manchester to buy a suit. At noon his mother noticed the bathroom door was locked. When she called him he didn’t answer. His dad unlocked the door with a screwdriver and the horror of their son’s death unfolded.

Det Insp Jason Byrnes said officers discovered almmost 200 searches for the word “artery” in the months before his death, and he had downloaded images showing self-harm.

Coroner Lisa Hashmi said: “There was a lot going on in his family life, mainly around his marriage of which he had been in discussions to make sure all family members would be there. That to me suggests significant forward planning.”