Inquest: Bury woman who died from burns said she wanted to end life

Nosheen Akhtar, who was also known as Sarah Hussain, died from her injuries on July 24, 2021, a day after she was seen running from her home on East Street in Bury while she was on fire.

Her brother-in-law Hasnain Mahmood told an inquest held at Rochdale Coroner’s Court that he had found Nosheen in the kitchen after she had poured white spirit over herself.

He told the court that Nosheen, 31, said “I want to die, I want to end this life” following an argument with her husband, Waqas Mahmood, during which she accused him of continuing a relationship with his ex-wife.

READ MORE: Nosheen Akhtar: Lighter found at scene had husbands DNA

Hasnain Mahmood told the court that Nosheen told him: “I want to kill myself, I’m going to set myself on fire.”

The court heard that Hasnain Mahmood had attempted to de-escalate the situation by taking Nosheen into the rear garden where he hoped the chemicals on her clothes would evaporate in the fresh air.

Mr Mahmood said Nosheen had been “very angry” with her husband after she had discovered text messages from his ex-wife on his phone.

Nosheen Akhtar died at Wythenshawe Hospital in July 2021 (Image: Family handout)

He then left the property and a short while late was told by Waqas Mahmood that "[Sarah’s] going to set the house on fire", after which he returned and attempted to de-escalate the situation. 

Hasnain Mahmood described Nosheen and her husband as a “nice, lovable couple” who were “happy".

He was not present in the house when Sarah became alight but joined Waqas Mahmood in attempting to extinguish the flames.

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Nosheen was later taken to Wythenshaw Hospital where she later died.

Forensics evidence submitted by Nadia Walsh of Eurofins Forensics Services and read to the court by Assistant Coroner for Manchester North, Lisa Judge said DNA found on the lid from a bottle of turpentine “could” have belonged to Nosheen.

The court also heard that DNA belonging to “at least three individuals” was present on a lighter recovered from the scene, but all DNA analysis was ultimately inconclusive.

Earlier in the inquest, which commenced on Monday, the court heard conflicting accounts of what Nosheen told witnesses following the fire.

The inquest heard that Nosheen told paramedics that “he did it” in reference to her husband, but told community members that she had set fire to herself.

In February 2021, paramedics were called to Nosheen's home after she took an overdose of paracetamol. 

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The inquest continues.