AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after the body of an elderly man was found following a house fire.

Emergency services were called to a property on Holford Way in Newton-le-Willows at around 8.41pm on Sunday, December 14.

Three fire engines were sent to the scene and spent just under an hour fighting the blaze.

He has been identified and his next of kin informed.

A police spokesman said at this time his death is being treated as unexplained and a post mortem is to be carried out to determine how he died.

The cause of the fire is not thought to be suspicious.

A fire safety campaign will be held in the area.