A man found dead in the back of a burned-out minibus may have climbed in and started a fire to keep warm.

Hungarian bed factory worker Andor Pinter, 28, got into the unlocked Vauxhall Movano in Heckmondwike Road, Dewsbury Moor, and lit some material stuffed in a can.

But the fire quickly took hold and the vehicle was engulfed in flames.

Neighbours and passing motorists reported the blazing van and Mr Pinter’s body was later found inside.

Firefighters were called around 5.50am on August 24 last year. Mr Pinter, of Bradford Road, Batley, was later identified from documents at the scene.

An inquest at Huddersfield was told how car dealer Yousaf Motala had left the eight-seater minibus for repair at RS Autos in Heckmondwike Road.

The minibus needed engine repairs and the locks were faulty.

CCTV cameras showed Mr Pinter walk round the back of the garage and then open the minibus door and climb inside.

He could be seen lighting a fire in the front and moving about inside, opening a window and then a door.

Assistant deputy coroner Mary Burke, recording an open verdict, said she was sure Mr Pinter started the fire and no one else was involved.

But she added: “What is not clear is what Mr Pinter’s intentions were. Did he enter the vehicle to take shelter and start the fire to get warm?

“He may well not have realised this fire would take hold. Or did he intend to take his own life? That question remains uncertain.”

In a statement Det Sgt Matt Hawker, of West Yorkshire Police, said a woman in flats in Quarry View reported a man acting suspiciously.

The man buzzed the intercom and said his name was Andrew and asked if he could come in to sleep.

She told him to go away and called police. A man, thought to be Mr Pinter, went to a nearby newsagent’s just as the shutters were being opened and was sent away.

Mr Pinter was then captured on CCTV at the garage.

Fire investigator Peter Crowther said the film showed Mr Pinter get into the van and light material in a drinks container which he placed on the driver’s seat.

He appeared to “encourage” the fire before getting into the back.

Mr Crowther added: “I have no doubt Mr Pinter started the fire. What I am unable to ascertain is his intent.”

Click here to take you back to more Huddersfield news.

Want to read, watch and hear more? You can download the FREE Examiner Apple App here, the FREE Examiner Android App here or you can view the paper as an e-edition on your Apple, Android or Kindle device by clicking here

To follow us on Twitter click here