Man and woman die in house fire

Detectives are trying to ascertain what led to their deaths

A man and a woman have been found dead with suspicious injuries after a house fire in Greater Manchester.

Police said the pair, who were both in their 50s, suffered injuries which did not appear to have been caused by the fire.

Officers were called to a house on Darley Avenue, Farnworth, Bolton, following reports of a fire shortly after 1715 BST on Friday.

The man was taken to hospital and died. The woman 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."