Murder probe launched after house fire

A murder investigation has been launched after a fire at Lancashire home.
Police have launched a murder investigationPolice have launched a murder investigation
Police have launched a murder investigation

One man, believed to be in his 40s, has died after a fire at a house in Elmridge, Skelmersdale, this morning.

Police were called at 8.10am today by the Ambulance Service after a report of a fire at the address.Emergency services attended and a man, believed to be in his 40s, was found at the property. Sadly he was pronounced dead at the scene.Following investigation the man’s death is believed to be suspicious, with detectives launching a murder inquiry.A man and woman have since been arrested on suspicion of murder.The cause of the fire is currently being treated as unexplained.Detectives are appealing for information and urging anyone who can assist with their enquiries to come forward.Det Supt Paul Withers, of Lancashire Police, said: “These are tragic circumstances and my thoughts are with the man’s family and friends at this time.“While we have made two arrests, we continue to appeal for any information in connection with our investigation.“If you saw anything which might help our enquiries, please come forward.”A 36-year-old man and a 43-year-old woman, both from Skelmersdale, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are currently in custody.Anyone with information that could assist is asked to call us on 101 quoting incident reference 0377 of July 21.