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Raymond and Doreen Elsom were found dead in the living room of their council house with all four cooker rings burning brightly in the kitchen.

An inquest heard how Mr Elsom, 74, had started to become forgetful and had a habit of forgetting to turn domestic appliances off.
The couple's cause of death was yesterday given as hyperthermia – a condition which occurs when the body produces or absorbs more heat than it can dissipate.

A pathologist said it was the first time he had ever come across such a case. Deaths from hyperthermia are rare in the UK as it only tends to affect elderly people living in hot climates.

Leeds Coroner's Court heard how son Darren Elsom found his parents dead a fortnight after he had their kitchen fitted with an electric cooker as he was worried about them using a gas appliance.
Weeks before he found his dad slumped in front of the cooker and the house smelling strongly of gas.

Mr Elsom was told by coroner David Hinchliff not to blame himself for the tragedy.

Police and social services confirmed that he had done the right thing in switching cookers.

In the months before the deaths, Mr Elsom had contacted social services and the couple's GP with his concerns for their health and safety.

The court heard Mrs Elsom, 70, a retired lollipop lady, was in low spirits and had a foot infection but was refusing treatment due to her fear of hospitals.

Retired builder Mr Elsom was showing early signs of dementia in his son's opinion and they had both begun to neglect their personal hygiene.
The court heard from Leeds City Council social worker Trevor Stevenson and Dr Emily Heinzman, who made home visits to the couple's home on Heights Drive.

They described how Mrs Elsom refused medical treatment and would not go to hospital.

The couple also turned down offers of help from the local authority, dismissing suggestions that they were struggling to care for themselves properly.

A statement read on behalf of Mr Elsom described how he arrived at their home on May 8 last year and could feel an intense heat.

He saw all four rings on the cooker glowing red and then went into the front room to find Mr and Mrs Elsom unconscious. Emergency services were called but the couple were pronounced dead at the scene.
Pathologist Prof Peter Vanezis said the couple were both suffering from heart disease which contributed to their deaths.

Police were called to investigate but immediately ruled out foul play.
West Yorkshire Coroner David Hinchliff recorded a verdict of accidental death.