A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a man who was rescued from a burning building.

Police were called to reports of a man trapped because of a fire on Dumbarton Green in Wigan at about 6.40am on Wednesday.

A man in his 40s was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries and later died.

Greater Manchester Police said the incident is being treated as a suspected arson attack and a 48-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and grievous bodily harm.

Detective Chief Inspector Nicola McCulloch said: “Firstly, our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends during this incredibly sad time.

“We believe this to be an isolated incident with no wider threat to the public.”

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The senior officer added: “We are still in the early stages of our investigation, but at this time we suspect this is an arson attack resulting in the tragic death of a man.

“Whilst we remain at the scene, speaking with residents and conducting extensive CCTV trawls, we need members of the public who may have been in the area of Dumbarton Green, or at the address, on Tuesday and Wednesday during the early morning to come forward and speak to us.”

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