Man and woman dead in 'suspicious' blaze

Police were today treating as suspicious the deaths of a man and a woman in a house fire.

The pair, who were both in their 50s, suffered injuries "inconsistent with fire-related injuries", Greater Manchester Police said.

Officers were called to a house on Darley Avenue, Farnworth, Bolton, following reports of a fire shortly after 5.15pm yesterday.

A man was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital, where he died. A woman had died at the scene.

A joint investigation has been launched by the Fire Service and Greater Manchester Police.

A police spokesman said: "The deaths are being treated as suspicious at this stage and a team of detectives are currently working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident."

Police are appealing for information from anyone who might have information about the incident, or the occupants of the house.

Det Ch Supt Darren Shenton said: "A more detailed examination to establish the cause of the injuries will take place over the weekend.

"We are also continuing to seek the extended families of those who we believe to be the occupants of the house."