Depressed dad set himself on fire

AN Oldham man set fire to himself while suffering from a depressive illness and later died in hospital, an inquest heard.

Manga Khan (57), of Park Road, Glodwick, had become depressed as a result of the death of his parents and difficulties with the family business.

In an incident late last year, Mr Khan covered himself in turpentine and set fire to himself in his kitchen.

His daughter, Sameena Kauser, said her father had been a shopkeeper and family-orientated man who was well-known in the community.

On the day of the fire, he had been in good spirits and gone for a walk in the park with relatives.

Mr Khan was taken to the Royal Oldham Hospital where he told a paramedic that he had wanted to die.

Later, Mr Khan was transferred to the burns unit at Withington Hospital, Manchester.

He appeared to improve and was returned later to the Royal Oldham, but died on February 1.

A doctor’s report said Mr Khan died from pneumonia brought on by the burns.

Oldham coroner Simon Nelson said he believed Mr Khan had acted impulsively but took his own life while suffering from a depressive illness.