A MAN has been killed in a house fire which police believe was caused by a discarded cigarette.

Zahid Mohammed, 24, was pronounced dead at the scene after being discovered by firefighters at about 8.50pm last night.

Emergency services were called to Belfield Road, Accrington, after being alerted by the landlord of the property.

The house is described as communal and Mr Mohammed did not actually live at the address. He lived at Royd Street, Accrington.

Accrington station officer John Pinner said two crews were called to the house which was well alight by the time they arrived.

He said: "We entered the back door of the address and found the man in the kitchen.

"It would seem the blaze broke out in the back living room and was so severe it broke through the ceiling of the bedroom above.

"We rescued the man and called paramedics, who pronounced him dead at the scene."

Detective Inspector Neil Hunter said there were no suspicious circumstances although police and fire will investigate.

He said: "Nobody else was in the house and it may well be a discarded cigarette which started this tragic blaze."