Blackburn bungalow fire death: Victim dead before fire

Police have released a CCTV image of Mr Proctor using a cash machine

An elderly man who was found dead in his home after it was destroyed by fire had died before the fire started, police said.

The body of Christopher Proctor, 88, was found in the house on Pleckgate Road, Blackburn, Lancashire, shortly before 04:00 GMT on 10 November.

Police said an exact cause of death had yet to be established but his death was being treated as suspicious.

A man and a woman, arrested on suspicion of murder, have been bailed.

Six others have been released without charge.

Mr Proctor's bank book and wallet have been recovered from separate drains in the area and officers have found CCTV that shows somebody attempting to withdraw cash from his bank.

Police have released a CCTV image of Mr Proctor using a cash machine at Tesco on Whalley New Road in the town at about 15:00 GMT on 9 November.

Det Supt Paul Withers said: "I believe that the answers to Mr Proctor's death lie within the local community and I would urge people to come forward with information.

"I am keen to speak to anyone who saw Mr Proctor or any suspicious activity in or around his home address on Pleckgate Road to get in touch."