A retired electrician died of burns and smoke inhalation in a car fire he started at a supermarket, an inquest has heard.

David Morement, of Camp Way, Maidstone, was killed in the blaze which engulfed his Skoda which was parked at the Morrisons store off Sutton Road on December 2.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called to the supermarket shortly after 4am following reports of a vehicle alight. Paramedics arrived at the car park minutes later, but the 71-year-old was declared dead at the scene.

The inquest into Mr Morement's death was opened yesterday at the Archbishop's Palace in Maidstone.

At the short hearing, coroner Bina Patel read a statement which told of how a witness saw Mr Morement on fire after his car had exploded into flames.

A subsequent post-mortem examination found the former electrician's cause of death was extensive burns and smoke inhalation due to self-ignition. The pathologist's report also cited chronic pain and depression.

Concluding the hearing, Miss Patel offered her condolences to the family and friends of Mr Morement, and adjourned the full inquest to May 19 at midday at the Archbishop's Palace.

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