THE body of a 23-year-old Great Harwood man, burnt to death on Sunday, cannot be released for burial in Pakistan until police and medical inquiries have been completed.

Opening an inquest into the death of Parvez Hussein Shah, of Princess Street, coroner Andre Rebello said he had received a request from the family for the release of the body and transfer out of the country.

He said he could not comply with the request until all inquiries have been completed. "Hopefully that will be sooner rather than later," said Mr Rebello. "At this stage I do not know if there is any third party involvement in the death."

Mr Shah suffered 75 per cent burns in the fire and later died at Withington Hospital. The inquest was adjourned until February 19.

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