DETECTIVES today launched a murder-style investigation after the body of man was discovered in his burned out home.

Firefighters were called to the house at 8 Clarence Street, Darwen, at 5.15am today by an anonymous passer-by.

When the officers arrived they discovered the body of 41-year-old man, believed to be David Spencer,in the upstairs front room of the terraced house, which the occupant used as a living room.

He had received a head injury and had minor burns.

Home Office pathologist William Lawler was due to carry out a post mortem examination on the body.

A police spokesman said the cause of death had not been established.

He added: "The body of a man thought to be around 40 was found in the upstairs front room.

"The room had been used as a living room rather than a bedroom.

"The fire brigade received a call to say the house was on fire.

"At this stage we do not know who made that call."

Detectives were today examining tape recordings of the 999 call to try to identify the mystery caller.

Sub-officer Paul Aspin said two fire appliances from Darwen dealt with the blaze which was confined to the front living room. He said investigations were still taking place to determine the cause of the fire.

Meanwhile neighbours living close to the scene were stunned to hear what had happened.

Kelly Spink, who lived next door to the dead man, had to flee her home with her children when smoke started pouring into her house.

She said: "We knew him quite well because he moved in around the same time as we did, five years ago.

"He had a drinking problem and could cause problems when he was drunk, but he wouldn't hurt anyone.

"He was a builder by trade and helped us when we had problems."

Another neighbour who would not be named, said: "He used to frighten us to death because he was always drunk.

"I always used to shut my front door if he was walking past."

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