A POLICE investigation was launched today after a man died in a house fire. The man, who is believed to be in his 40s and is thought to work at a scrap plastic mill, was found dead in a bedsit in Franklin Road, Darwen, at around 7.30am.

Firefighters were called out to tackle the blaze. Neighbours said the flat was the home of a man called John Smalley, who has lived there for more than a year.

An ambulance crew was told not to move the body until police had visited the flat.

Neighbour Mr Gulam Hussaim said: "Smoke was pouring from the upstairs and downstairs windows."

Mr James Hime, 82, of Redearth Street, said Mr Smalley was very well liked. He added: "He likes his pints but isn't into drugs or anything like that."

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