Pensioners die after gas supply cut

A frail elderly couple died within weeks of having their gas supply cut off because they owed just £140.62.

The decomposed bodies of retired postman George Bates, 89, and his wife Gertrude, 86, were found huddled in the living room of the house they had lived in for 63 years.

Mr Bates had died of hypothermia and his wife, a former police civilian worker, had suffered a heart attack.

An inquest opened this month was adjourned today to allow British Gas to explain its actions. Westminster coroner Dr Paul Knapman said: "It seems extraordinary to live in a home for 63 years and have the gas cut off and be found there dead."

The couple failed to respond to an invoice for £76.19 sent in March and a £64.43 bill in July also went unpaid.

Mrs Bates gave a "confused" story according to a British Gas representative who called at their home in Tooting. British Gas cut off the gas on 1 August. The Bates were found dead 13 weeks later.