Nelson fire victim named by police

The body of the 41-year-old, who lived alone, was found by firefighters attending a blaze at his home in Princess Street in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Police are still investigating the cause of the fire which remains unexplained but detectives have said there are no suspicious circumstances.

Two fire engines from Nelson arrived at the scene at 1-15am when they found a mid-terraced property on fire with smoke spreading to one of the houses next door.

Four teams of firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the house with hose reels.

Det. Insp Martin Melvin said: “Investigations are continuing into the cause of the fire, but the victim has now been formally identified as Bryan May.”

A post-mortem examination is set to take place today (Wednesday) and an inquest will be opened by the East Lancashire Coroner Mr Richard Taylor tomorrow.