POLICE investigating the death of a man following a house blaze started by a firework are following fresh lines of inquiry, it was revealed last night.

Arthur Lonsdale died in hospital of respiratory failure caused by smoke inhalation.

The 52-year-old former locksmith, of Westerham Close, Witherwack, Sunderland, died on Saturday, October 30, after a fire on October 28.

Police said several people have visited a mobile police office set up near the crime scene, and that leads were being followed.

Detectives are still awaiting results of forensic tests on the firework used -a Little Brother rocket made by Global Fireworks Limited, of Leeds.

Police have traced a number of people who saw Mr Lonsdale the day the firework was pushed into his home.

Many of the people who were in and around the area when the fire broke out have come forward, but police still want to hear from anyone who was in the area from 8pm to 9pm on the Thursday.

Detective Superintendent Steve Wade said: "We have had a better response from members of the public who have come forward with information.

"We will be following a number of lines of inquiry. We would still like to hear from anyone who was in the Westerham Close area on Thursday, October 28.

"Any information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, could help our inquiry."

Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.