Inquest into death of Patryk Mortimer adjourned until outcome of murder inquiry

The inquest into the death of a man who died in a blaze has been adjourned, pending the outcome of a police investigation.
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Nine others managed to escape the fire, which started in the early hours of the morning, but tragically 39-year-old Patryk was unable to make it out.

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A murder probe was launched by Northumbria Police and a spokesman for the force confirmed a 23-year-old man, who had previously been arrested in connection with the incident, remains on police bail with inquiries ongoing.

Patryk Mortimer died in the fire at the former Manor House Care Home.Patryk Mortimer died in the fire at the former Manor House Care Home.
Patryk Mortimer died in the fire at the former Manor House Care Home.

At a pre-inquest review hearing on Tuesday, September 15, assistant coroner for Sunderland Karin Welch adjourned the inquest until November 23, 2020, pending the outcome of the investigation.

It is thought Patryk, who was originally from Poland, had tried to get under the ceiling-height fire to reach a fire door close to his room, but the ferocity of the heat and smoke was too much and he was found in the hallway by firefighters.

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His death was caused by the inhalation of smoke and heat, which reached temperatures of 1,000 degrees as the large building burned.

Police on the scene of the fire, which happened inside the former Manor House Care Home in Pemberton Bank, on High Street, Easington Lane.Police on the scene of the fire, which happened inside the former Manor House Care Home in Pemberton Bank, on High Street, Easington Lane.
Police on the scene of the fire, which happened inside the former Manor House Care Home in Pemberton Bank, on High Street, Easington Lane.

The 39-year-old had lived in the former care home, which was being used as a house in multiple occupation (HMO), for just a few days before the blaze.

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