A 78-YEAR-OLD man died in a blaze at his Preston home on Tuesday morning (January 9).

Pensioner Charlie Fletcher, of Nevett Street, was found dead by firefighters and paramedics when they arrrived at the scene at 7am..

A neighbour raised the alarm after hearing Mr Fletcher's smoke detector. The fire is believed to have started from a discarded cigarette but investigations are continuing.

Station Commander Tom McMillan of Preston Fire Station urged people to make sure their homes are fitted with a smoke alarm as smoke kills in minutes.

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