POLICE today said they were not treating a fatal house fire as suspicious, despite reports that the victim was involved in a fight the night before he died.

Officers said the dead man was believed to be Phil Lewis, 30, who lived at the house Every Street, Nelson.

The victim had not been formally identified today as the fire was so severe that identification may have to be made through dental records or DNA tests.

A post mortem examination by Home Office pathologist, Dr John Rutherford yesterday was inconclusive and police are now awaiting the result of toxicology reports. Det Sgt Dave Fleming said police were aware of reports of a fight but said: "We don't yet know the cause of the fire and further investigations are being carried out. There is nothing to suggest foul play.

The body of the man was discovered by firefighters after being called to a house fire at 6pm on New Year's Eve.

Neighbours said two men had called at Phil's rented mid-terrace home the previous evening and had been threatening him and a fight took place on the street.

The house and back street were sealed off yesterday while Dr Rutherford examined the body.

Forensic scientists examined the scene along with a fire investigation team. Burney, the fire service sniffer dog, attended the house on New Year's Eve, but did not enter so as not to disturb forensic evidence.

Sub-Officer Nick Isherwood, of Nelson Fire Station, said: "We only began our in-depth investigation yesterday. The house fire was very severe."

Neighbour Smaila Rafiq, 20, said: "I had just arrived home from work at about 5.45pm and I could smell smoke so I went to check everything was all right.

"My friend said she had seen a fire in the back yard of the house and I understand it went through the house to the front."

Next-door neighbour Saghil Ahmed said: "The house is rented and the man that lived there had only been there for a few months. I knew him as a neighbour to say hello to in the street, but did not know him socially."

It is understood Phil worked, or used to work, for Strategy, a contract packaging on Lomeshaye Industrial Estate in Nelson.