Cigarette 'caused fire tragedy'

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An inquest has heard that a fire which caused the deaths of three people in west Belfast's Shankill area was probably caused by a lit cigarette.

Three generations of one family died after they were overcome by toxic fumes in their home.

Madison Bothwell, three, his father Jackie, 37, and granny Helen McCoubrey, 80, were found in the bungalow at Edenbrook Close last November.

Coroner John Leckey said alocohol also played a part in the tragedy.

The fire started in a front bedroom.

Forensic experts said it would have smouldered for some time and that all three had most likely died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

The inquest also heard evidence from those who had last seen the three alive.

They told how both Jackie and Helen had been drinking from early in the morning of the day before their bodies were found.

Coroner John Lecky said although the fire was accidental, he had no doubt that alcohol played some part in it.