Murder probe launched after suspicious house fire

Detectives say they were alerted by the ambulance service after a suspicious fire at a home in Elmridge, at around 8.10am on Saturday.

Emergency services discovered a man in his 40s, dead at the scene and launched a murder probe after making preliminary investigations.

Police arrested 36-year-old man and a 43-year-old woman, both from the local area and an appeal has been made to anyone who can assist with enquiries to come forward.

Det Supt Paul Withers, of Lancashire Police, said: “These are tragic circumstances and my thoughts are with the man’s family and friends at this time.

“While we have made two arrests, we continue to appeal for any information in connection with our investigation.

“If you saw anything which might help our enquiries, please come forward.”

The two suspects are still being held in custody.

Anyone with information that could assist is asked to call us on 101 quoting incident reference 0377 of July 21.