INQUEST proceedings open today into the death of a former police officer in a fire at the house where he lived alone.
Allan Fletcher Campbell was confirmed dead at the scene, after firefighters found his body downstairs at the house at Belmont, on the outskirts of Durham.
Neighbours raised the alarm, but were unable to gain access to the house, in Coniston Close, as they were driven back by intense smoke and flames.
Durham Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the fire, on Wednesday, October 13.
It is understood that 61-year-old Mr Campbell retired from the force in the 1980s.
County Durham coroner, Andrew Tweddle, will open the inquest in Crook today, but it will be adjourned for a full hearing when inquiries into Mr Campbell's death are completed.
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