SICK thieves burgled a dead man's flat just hours after his body was taken away.

Former builder Francis Lyons, 59, died at his home on Knight Street, Bury.

But when his family arrived the day after his death to put his affairs in order, they found a window had been forced and his home ransacked.

Mr Lyons' brother Michael said: "As soon as we got there we could see dirty footprints on the window where they'd got in." When they opened the front door, the family found drawers tipped out and Mr Lyons' personal possessions strewn over floor.

A TV set had been stolen along with cash from a bag hanging on the back of the door.

Michael Lyons said: "It was shocking, but I knew something like this would happen where he lived. It was his worst fear when he was alive.

"He didn't have a lot, but they went through everything. It was a mess. They must have known he wasn't there anymore. The rest of the family are very upset."

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