A PROFESSIONAL footballer has spoken of his shock at the discovery of the body of a pensioner found dead in his home.

Bradford City goalkeeper Aidan Davison owns the home in Close House, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham where his tenant, 77-year-old Bill Pyle, lived and died.

Mr Pyle's body was discovered in the burning house on November 4. He had a skull fracture and other injuries.

The 33-year-old First Division player had met Mr Pyle on several occasions during the two years he had lived in the house and spoke of his shock at learning of the pensioner's tragic end.

He said: "I knew him. He was a lovely old fellow."

Aidan Davison, who now lives in Leeds, grew up in Close House, in the street adjacent to that where Mr Pyle was found dead, and decided to invest in the area by buying several properties.

On the night of the fire, he received a call from an agent who looks after his houses.

He said: "I rushed up and got there about midnight, but there was nothing I could have done. I just gave police a statement.

"I've been up a few times since then, but I haven't been in the house yet, it's basically still in the hands of the police.

"I don't know at this stage what will happen to the house, I will have to see what the extent of the damage is, but that's not really something on my mind."

On Wednesday, Mr Pyle's daughter, 41-year-old Ann-Marie Pyle, from Coundon Grange, was arrested and charged with murder and arson.

She was remanded in custody and will appear at Newcastle Crown Court on Monday.