They have reopened the investigation into a number of fatal house fires, as well as liaising with police over an unsolved murder on the Isle of Man.

Stephen Akinmurele, who lived on the island between 1988 and 1995, is accused of murdering an elderly couple, Eric and Joan Boardman, and 75-year-old Jemmimah Cargill.

The bodies of the couple, married for 27 years, were discovered by one of their daughters.

Lancashire Police have now re-opened files on fatal arson attacks in the area over the last two years.

Mr Akinmurele, a former barman, was arrested last week for the murder of Mr and Mrs Boardman at their home in Blackpool. They had been strangled.

He was later charged with the murder last month of Ms Cargill, his former landlady who died in a fire at her home.

He has been remanded in custody until next Tuesday.

Unsolved case re-opened

Manx police have set up a joint murder incident room with the Lancashire Constabulary and have re-opened their inquiry into the unsolved murder of Majorie Ashton.

She was found strangled at her home in Ballsalla in May 1995.

A team of detectives is also re-examining a number of deaths on the island over the past few years.

Police say the deaths were all dealt with by the coroner at the time and had not been regarded as suspicious.

They say they will be contacting relatives of the deceased and will be keeping them informed about the progress of the inquiry.

Police are appealing for any information about Mr Akinmurele, who lived in the Castletown and Douglas areas before moving to Blackpool.