A FATHER-OF-TWO found dead after a fire at a flat in Great Lever last week has been named as police try to trace his family.

The blaze at the first-floor flat in Bradford Avenue broke out between 9am and 10am on Wednesday, March 25, killing 49-year-old Steven Billington.

Police and the coroner's officer are now appealing for the public to help them trace Mr Billington's next of kin.

They believe that Mr Billington had two children from a previous relationship with a woman called Joanne, who has also since died.

A police investigation found there were no suspicious circumstances. The blaze is thought to have been caused by a faulty gas fire.

Mr Billington was pronounced dead at the scene.

His landlord said he had lived there alone and had been a tenant for "a couple of years".

Police and fire investigators spent much of the day on the street, as they investigated the cause of the blaze.

A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said they saw the man's body being carried out.

Details of the fire service's investigation have yet to be released.

At the time a spokesman said that they were called to Bradford Avenue and that crews from Eccles and Farnworth, assisted by a cover crew due to the severity of the incident, were sent.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "Police are appealing for the public’s help to trace the next of kin of a man from Bolton.

"Steven Billington, aged 49, of Bradford Avenue, Bolton died at his home address on the 25th March 2015.

"There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

"It is believed that Steven had two children from a previous marriage or relationship with a woman called Joanne, who passed away around 15 years ago."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Police Coroner's Office on 0161 856 4685.