Overview
- Assistant coroner Paul Appleton issued a written finding that Ms. Hawkins died from the effects of fire after intentionally setting herself alight while alcohol impaired her judgment.
- The victim was identified as 40-year-old Gemma Marie Hawkins, who lived in Middlesbrough.
- The blaze broke out on the evening of October 14, 2024, in a first-floor flat on Carlile Walk on Stockton’s Tilery estate.
- Emergency services sent three fire engines along with police and ambulance crews, and forensic teams and plain-clothes detectives later examined the scene as an investigation began.
- Despite efforts by 999 crews, she could not be saved, a firefighter was treated on scene for a neck burn, and an off-duty soldier said he was unable to force entry before firefighters arrived.