A CLEVELEYS pensioner has died after suffering severe burns in an explosion which ripped through his home in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Cornelius Duffy, aged 70, died in hospital on Sunday after suffering 60 per cent burns when an apparent series of explosions engulfed his Halton Avenue home.

Three fire engines from Blackpool, Bispham and Fleetwood were called to the house at 3.25 am, after an explosion blew the front off the semi-detached council house, scattering debris.

Neighbours reported hearing more than one explosion, and firefighters arrived to find a serious fire on both ground and first floors of the house. Mr Duffy was apparently found on fire in his back garden by neighbours who fought to put out the flames by rolling the pensioner on the ground.

He was then given first aid by firefighters before paramedics arrived and took over.

He was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital where he was said to be in a "critical condition" with an estimated 60 per cent burns to his back.

He was later transferred to Wythenshawe Hospital, south Manchester, but died from his injuries shortly before 1pm on Sunday.

It is believed Mr Duffy had lived alone for a number of years and that he had been married but that his wife died last year. It is understood his son was at his bedside in hospital.

A joint investigation between fire and police officers and officials from gas supplier Transco was launched to find out what had caused the devastating explosion.

Initial inquiries into the case included looking at whether the case was suspicious, but on Tuesday afternoon DS Dave Reeder of Lancashire Police, who was involved with the initial investigations, said the case was now in the hands of the coroner. "There are no further criminal investigations," he added.

An inquest was expected to be opened this week by Lancaster Coroner George Howson and adjourned pending further inquiries.