THE man leading the investigation into the death of factory worker Parvez Hussein Shah says he cannot rule out the possibility the 23-year-old was murdered.

Mr Shah, of Princess Street, Great Harwood, died in hospital after suffering 75 per cent burns in a fire at his home early on Sunday.

Paper packer Mr Shah leaves wife Nahid, 21, and their three-month-old son Hamza.

An inquest has been opened and adjourned until February 19.

Mr Shah's body will not be released until the investigation is completed. Detective Superintendent Bob Denmark said the circumstances surrounding Mr Shah's death were still unclear and appealed for more witnesses to come forward.

Det Supt Denmark said: "We have been looking at three possibilities, that it was murder, an accident or suicide, and we can't yet rule any of them out. "I am not at all satisfied with the suggestion that is in the air that he committed suicide because there is no firm evidence.

"We have spoken to most of the people involved and we have a lot more pieces of the jigsaw on the table.

"We are treating this with all the seriousness of a murder inquiry until that possibility can be ruled out.

"There is a large team of detectives working on the case and forensic scientists have been at the house.

"It is possible there are people in the local community who know what has gone on and it's important they come forward.

"They have a duty to tell the police any information they may have and I would urge them to contact us.

"If anyone from the Asian community has concerns about approaching us, we can arrange for someone to interpret for them."

Anyone with information can call the incident room at Great Harwood police station on 01254 884800.

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