POLICE launched an inquiry after a body believed to be that of a local tramp was found with head injuries in a derelict house.

Detectives are appealing for information following the discovery of the body at just after 3pm on Saturday in a disused house in Belle Vue Place, off Westgate, Burnley.

Police were initially treating the death as suspicious but now scaled down the inquiry. They say the dead man matches the description of a man known as Tommy the Tramp.

They are appealing for anyone who may have seen Tommy since last Thursday and also anyone who may have information about where he has been living since June.

An initial examination of the body has established that he died recently and a full post mortem examination was due to take place yesterday.

Det Chief Inspector Steve Brunskill, of Burnley Police, who is leading the inquiry, said: "We are trying to trace the whereabouts of a homeless man known locally as Tommy the Tramp and would like to know whether he has been seen by anybody since last Thursday."

Det Chief Inspector Brunskill said the body matched the description they had been given of Tommy.

The dead man was aged about 40, about 5ft 8ins, slim with dark collar-length hair and a full bushy beard and moustache.

He was unkempt and wearing a green camouflage jacket, brown trousers and brown shoes. DCI Brunskill added: "We would particularly like to hear from any of his friends or family who may have been in contact with him recently and know where he has been living since June.

"We would also like to ask any residents or visitors to the Westgate area of Burnley to contact us with any information they may have about Tommy or about the circumstances of the incident."

Anyone with information should call the hotline on 08451 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers, free and in confidence, on 0800 555 111.