A MAN was found dead in a garden shed minutes after his family heard a ‘bang’, an inquest was told.

Roy Edward Woodland tragically died after a shed at his home on Valley Way, Knutsford caught fire.

The 67-year-old retired information technology technician had spent the evening of November 26, last year, with his family.

Shortly after 9pm, he walked towards the back door, going out into the garden.

A few seconds later, his family heard a ‘bang’ and found the shed on fire.

Mr Woodland’s body was recovered once Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service crews had extinguished the flames.

After the incident, fire service group manager Matt Barlow said: “We were called to a shed on fire with reports of a person inside on Valley Way, Knutsford.

“Two fire engines attended the incident.

“On arrival, our crews discovered a well-developed fire which was quickly extinguished.

“Sadly, despite our best efforts, we discovered an unresponsive person later confirmed by North West Ambulance Service to be deceased at the scene.

“An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway in conjunction with colleagues from Cheshire Police.

“Our thoughts are with the family.”

Elizabeth Wheeler, assistant coroner at Cheshire Coroner’s Court heard that Mr Woodland had died as a result of burns suffered from petrol in a garden shed.

After reading submitted documents at a written inquest on April 16, she reached a conclusion his death was accidental.

The conclusion was confirmed by area coroner Victoria Davies at a public hearing in Warrington on Wednesday, April 24.