A RESPECTED headteacher is believed to have killed herself after being suspended from her job and getting depressed over money worries.

Mother-of-five Nassim Akhtar, 40, was found dead in the back seat of her burnt-out Toyota Previa people-carrier just off Burnley Road, Altham, on Thursday night.

Mrs Akhtar, of Mayville Road, Brierfield, was a former deputy head at Bradley Primary School in Nelson and a former teacher at Walter Street Primary School in Brierfield, where her three eldest children are pupils.

She took over as headteacher at Cheetwood Community Primary School in Cheetham, Manchester, in September and was suspended by education bosses three weeks ago as part of an investigation into "management issues" at the school.

Mrs Akhtar leaves husband Jameel Akhtar, 27, and children Aamina, 11, Haleema, seven, Sabina, six, Qamar, two, and seven-month-old Falaq.

And her friends and family have paid tribute to a "dedicated and inspirational woman".

Her sister Nasreen Din said: "She was a wonderful sister and a dedicated and inspirational teacher.

"She was hard working and will be missed by her family.

"She looked after her five kids and an elderly mother, who she spent a lot of time with."

Husband Jameel said: "Her last words to me were I'm going for a drive. Can you pick up the girls from school. I'll be back soon."

Mohammad Feroz, a longstanding family friend from Nelson, added: "She was very happy when she started as headteacher, she was determined to make the school a model one.

"Her mother was very ill and has been bed-ridden for a while now and she has been looking after her on a regular basis. She would feed her and bathe her.

"She was a very committed daughter who looked after her children, family and mother.

"The kids are in a sad situation and Aamina, being the eldest, is crying a lot because she understands what has happened and she can see the women crying around her.

"Nassim was over the moon when she was appointed head teacher of the school.

"She was a very intelligent person and a very good teacher."

Brother Mohammad Rafique, 52, said: "She was suspended from her work and was in the process of appealing.

"Her heart was in teaching so we do not know why it happened."

Det Insp Paul Withers said that Mrs Akhtar had financial worries on top of the suspension.

A post mortem examination revealed that she died of smoke inhalation and the matter has been referred to the coroner.

Insp Withers said: "There is no indication that there was any involvement from any other parties.

"Mrs Akhtar was depressed because of her suspension and also because of financial difficulties."

Mike Arnold from the National Association of Head Teachers had been representing Mrs Akhtar in her dispute with Manchester City Council.

He said she had been suspended pending an investigation into "management issues" at the school and he was due to meet with education bosses this Monday to discuss the case.

Children from Walter Street Primary sent letters to Mrs Akhtar's family yesterday.

Headteacher Sarah Watson, said: "Most people will remember her boundless energy and enthusiasm.

"She was always on the go and was a real asset to the school."

She said that a meeting was held yesterday to inform teachers of Mrs Akhtar's death and a special announcement was made to inform pupils and friends of her daughters.

Miss Watson added: "You just do not expect to hear such dreadful news and all of our thoughts are with her family.

"The children have been preparing thinking of you' cards to send."

Headteacher at Bradley School, Richard O'Sullivan, said the school will close when her funeral takes place as a mark of respect.

She left the school in August after two years as deputy head.

Mr O'Sullivan said: "She was a determined and dedicated teacher and she made a great contribution to this school during her time here."

Manchester City Council declined to comment.