Death was 'tragic accident' (From Harrow Times)

Death was 'tragic accident'

11:01am Tuesday 30th January 2007

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THE family of a man found naked and on fire in a park have said his death was a "tragic accident".

Imran Saithna, 28, of Hillview Gardens, Harrow, died in hospital last Monday.

A group of students discovered Mr Saithna's burning body in Headstone Manor, Pinner View, Harrow, at about 7.15pm.

They ran to the home of Steve Penniston, 49, who lives near the recreation ground in Parkside Way, and asked him to call police.

Speaking last Tuesday, Steve, a train driver, said: "I went into the park with a torch and found a man lying on the ground. He was still smouldering.

"He was still alive, I could hear him moaning and groaning."

Emergency services remained at the scene throughout the night carrying out their investigations.

Police concluded that Mr Saithna's death was not suspicious.

The Harrow Times has received many calls and emails from concerned members of the public questioning why his death was not being treated as suspicious but a statement from the family, issued by Harrow police, reads: "The family are satisfied that their son was not the victim of an attack and that this was a tragic accident.

"They believe there is no racial motivation or involvement of others.

"The family are still coming to terms with their loss but would like to assure the community that there are no suspicious circumstances."

A post mortem, carried out at Northwick Park Hospital, found the cause of death to be burns.

An inquest was opened and adjourned last Wednesday.

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