An inquest has concluded that a house fire which led to the deaths of an 86-year-old woman and her son was caused by an electrical fault in a tumble dryer.

The inquest heard that they were likely to have been asleep when the fire broke out. They woke up but were unable to escape from the house and were exposed to high levels of smoke and heat. They were rescued by the emergency services and taken to hospital, but later died as a result of smoke inhalation.

The inquest concluded that the most likely source of the fire was the tumble dryer's condensate pump, which collects water extracted while the tumble dryer is in use. The tumble dryer had been purchased less than seven months before the tragedy occurred.

Following the inquest, the coroner issued a Prevention of Future Deaths Report, warning that further deaths may occur unless action is taken.