A MAN died in Blackburn after it is believed he set himself on fire.

Witnesses described how they saw flames coming from the man’s body as he lay on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal path off Bolton Road, Blackburn.

Lancashire police and fire bosses have launched a joint investigation into the death, which they say they are treating as ‘unexplained’.

The victim, who suffered severe burns and is believed to be in his late-50s, has yet to be formally identified.

Joggers and cyclists using the canal path called an ambulance at 3.30pm on Saturday after they spotted the man struggling by a bench near near Raj Indian Cuisine and Lounge, formerly The Moorings pub.

Two crews from Blackburn fire station were also called to the incident, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Wendy Howarth, of nearby Hamilton Street, was walking to a supermarket when she spotted flames coming from the ground.

The 54-year-old said: “We were walking to Asda we saw a fire coming from the ground. We just assumed it was a grass fire or cow pat but as we got closer we saw some shoes.

“We could see it was a person, completely on fire.

“A gentleman on a bike was throwing water over him.

“I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. His clothes and skin were on fire. He was unrecognisable. You couldn’t make out his face.

“The police officer came and asked us what we saw. I’m a bit shaken up but I can’t stop thinking about his family. My condolences go out to them.”

Crime scene and fire investigators remained at the scene yesterday, where a tent was set up overnight while forensics experts collected evidence.

A stretch of the the canal path was cordoned off as police made efforts to identify the dead man.

Officers do not believe the death is suspicious and are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

Detective Chief Inspector Pete Simm, of Lancashire police’s Force Major Investigation Team, said: “The investigation is very much in its early stages, a cordon remains in place at the scene, and we will continue to work closely with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service to determine exactly how the fire started.

“The canal towpath is heavily used by cyclists, joggers and walkers and is close to the Raj Indian restaurant and we know that people were in the area at the time of this incident.

“I would urge anyone who may have seen what happened or has information about the incident to contact us on 101 quoting log number 900 of April 4th.”

A small crowd gathered outside Thwaites’ Lockside Tavern pub as emergency services surrounded the canal.

Robert Howarth, 18, said: “There were flames on his body and there was no-one else near him.

“I thought he may have run out of the restaurant but I don’t think he was with anyone.

“We went to go over but someone stopped me and said: ‘You don’t want to go over, a man has set himself on fire and he’s dead.’”

The episode caused some traffic disruption in both directions along Bolton Road on Saturday afternoon, but surrounding businesses were allowed to remain open.

Labour’s Ewood councillor Maureen Bateson, added: “It’s really sad and my thoughts go out to anyone who knew this man.”

A post mortem examination was due to take place yesterday, and Blackburn coroner Michael Singleton has been informed.

A statement from Blackburn fire station said: “At approximately 3.35pm, firefighters from Blackburn fire station attended an incident near the former Moorings pub on Bolton Road, Blackburn, following reports that a man was on fire.

“A man was confirmed deceased at the scene and fire crews are now working alongside the police with their enquiries.”

The North West Ambulance Service confirmed it attended the scene but that it did not take anyone to hospital.

A spokesman said: “We sent a rapid response vehicle and a regular ambulance at 3.30pm but we had cleared the scene by 5pm.

“The scene has now been passed over to the police for investigation.”