AN OSWALDTWISTLE man is being prosecuted over a fire in a Blackburn hotel in which a man died.

Sajed Ahmed Hussain faces four charges brought by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service over the blaze at the Devonshire Hotel, Bridge Street, Blackburn on November 21, 2008.

He is accused of failing to safeguard the safety of residents in case of a fire because, as owner, it is alleged he didn’t make a suitable fire risk assessment.

Mr Hussain is also charged with not having implemented an evacuation procedure, failing to have a suitable maintenance system or fire alarms in good repair, as well as faling to regularly test fire safety.

The fire service claims these failures placed one or more residents at risk of death or serious injury.

His case was adjourned by Hyndburn magistrates until February 22.

Paul Barker, 53, died from his injuries after being dragged from the blaze by firefighters.

He had suffered 50 per cent burns after being found lying unconscious in a second floor bedroom as the blaze raged around him.

His serious injuries proved to be fatal.