A fatal house fire has been referred to the police watchdog as investigations into the cause continue.

Emergency services were called at around 1.30pm on Friday, October 15 to a report of a fire where a house had collapsed on Kirkby Avenue, Clayton le Woods.

Sadly, the body of the occupant of the house, Carl Whalley, 57, was found inside the address. A post-mortem examination has given the cause of death as smoke inhalation and burns.

An investigation into the cause of the blaze is continuing.

Detective Chief Inspector Jill Johnston, of Lancashire Police, said: “My thoughts continue to be with Mr Whalley’s loved ones at this time. We have officers who are supporting them and we are keeping them fully updated on the progress of our investigation.

“We continue to work through the evidence we have to try and establish the cause of the fire and our enquiries include looking through CCTV footage and other digital media and speaking to witnesses. For those reasons it may take some time before we are able to give a definitive cause for the fire.

“I would once again appeal to anyone who has any information and has not yet spoken to police to come forward and I would ask for anyone with any CCTV, Ring doorbell footage or dashcam footage to get in touch.

“We continue to investigate suggestions of a neighbour dispute and looking into these forms part of our enquiries.”

Police also confirmed that the incident has now been referred to the Independent Office of Police Conduct.

Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting log reference 0756 of October 15th. Independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted 0800 555 111.