A fire which claimed the life of an 87-year-old farmer is thought to have started through old electrical wiring and spread because of old wallpaper.

Richard Hindle, of Gaulkthorn Farm, Broadfield, Oswaldtwisle, was found dead by his housekeeper in his bedroom yesterday.

A police spokesman said: "It appears old cables may have fused and set alight causing old wallpaper to set on fire too. Mr Hindle tried to leave but collapsed."

A post mortem examination was carried out yesterday and an inquest is due to be opened on Friday.

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