AN INQUEST has been opened into the death of a 39-year-old man who was killed in a car crash in Barrow.

James Scott Coates, of South Shields, died at the scene on Park Road on August 20, 2024.

Area Coroner for Cumbria Kirsty Gomersal explained that Mr Coates, a painter and plasterer, was involved in a head-on collision with a van on the road just before 10.30pm.

His car suffered 'significant damage' and became 'engulfed in flames', the hearing heard.

A post-mortem examination has been carried out on Mr Coates offering a cause of death of a car fire caused by a road traffic collision.

Ms Gomersal has set a provisional date for the conclusion of the inquest on January 23, 2025.

In a statement released by Cumbria Police, his family said: “Our beloved Scott, partner of Aimee and precious son of Tracey and the late Geoff.

“Loving and devoted dad to James and Zak, brother of Danielle and uncle.

“We are all heartbroken.

“Rest in peace. We will miss you forever Scotty boy and Daddy.”