THIS is the first picture to emerge of 58-year-old David Curry, the man who died when he caught fire in Blackburn.

Mr Curry, who witnesses believe set himself alight, was pronounced dead on a path by the Leeds and Liverpool Canal on Saturday afternoon.

Lancashire’s police and fire bosses have launched a joint investigation into the incident, which happened near the Raj Indian Cuisine and Lounge in Bolton Road.

Detectives and forensic experts spent four days trying to identify Mr Curry, who suffered severe burns in the incident.

Joggers and cyclists using the canal path called an ambulance at 3.30pm on Saturday after they spotted Mr Curry struggling by a bench near the Indian restaurant, formerly known as The Moorings pub.

Two fire engines assisted paramedics at attended the scene, which caused traffic problems on Bolton Road for several hours.

A tent was set up over the weekend while crime scene investigators scoured the canalside for evidence. Police are not looking for anyone else in relation to the tragedy.

Detective Chief Inspector Pete Simm, of Lancashire police’s Force Major Investigation Team, said: "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."

Witness Wendy Howarth, who saw passers-by throw water on Mr Curry's burning body, described the victim as 'unrecognisable' because of his burns.

It is still unclear what caused Mr Curry to be on fire and the Blackburn coroner, Michael Singleton, has been informed.

Police said Mr Curry’s family had been notified.