AN investigation has been launched into the death of a pensioner, who was discovered after a fire at his home in Bury.

James Schofield, aged 75, was found in the lounge of his terraced house in Rochdale Road, at 10.30pm on Sunday.

Neighbours called the emergency services when they heard a smoke alarm sounding in the house.

Crews from Bury, Whitefield and Heywood fire stations attended the incident and four firefighters used breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze.

Mr Schofield was pronounced dead at the scene and a joint investigation was launched by the police and fire service.

Firefighters remained at the scene throughout the night and investigating officers continued working in the house on Monday.

It is not yet known how he died and a post-mortem examination was due to be held yesterday.

One line of inquiry is that Mr Schofield collapsed in the lounge before the fire broke out.

Police say there are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances.

On Monday morning, a single red rose was placed in the railings outside Mr Schofield’s house in his memory. Mr Schofield, known as Jimmy, is believed to have two children and was a widow, following the death of his wife several years ago.

Neighbour Hira Amin said: “There was black smoke coming from the house. There were three or four fire engines, police cars and an ambulance. The fire engines were here all night.

“The man was very nice and he was quiet. I usually said hello and he said hello back. He was a nice guy and I’m so upset.”

Another resident Sehrish Tariq said: “I was watching television and heard something was happening outside. The fire brigade and the police were here for hours.”