A man who was found dead after a fire at a restaurant where a cannabis farm was discovered has been named.
Today, Friday, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the man who died as 22-year-old Geri Rapo.
On Sunday, December 3, GMP announced a criminal investigation was underway after the body of a person was found following a fire at the Lime Tree Restaurant on Bolton Road, Farnworth.
The blaze at the property was first reported to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) at around 12.40pm on Monday, November 27.
The fire also spread from the restaurant towards the roof of an adjoining house.
GMP and GMFRS carried out "extensive work" to secure the building to make it safe for officers to search the site.
Then on Saturday, December 2, five days after the fire, police confirmed that the body of a man had been found.
Bolton Coroners' Court also confirmed that Mr Rapo had been discovered at the address.
A joint investigation by GMP and GMFRS remains ongoing with "extensive enquiries being carried out to ascertain the cause of the fire".
No inquest has yet been opened into his death.
Detective Chief Inspector Liz Hopkinson of Greater Manchester Police's Major Incident Team said: “I speak on behalf of the whole investigation team when I say the thoughts of everyone remain with the victim’s family.
"Specially trained officers have been deployed to support them at this difficult time and we can only imagine the pain of their loss.
“Extensive work remains ongoing with regards to the activities at the building in the time leading up to the fire.
"We are committed to establishing the set of circumstances that led to this tragic event and will leave no stone unturned when it comes to uncovering any criminal offences that may have taken place.
“If anyone has any information about the fire - including if you have any footage (such as CCTV, mobile or dashcam) – I urge you to contact GMP’s Major Incident Team."
“Police are appealing for information. Please call 0161 856 1995 quoting log number 1485 of 27/11/2023.”
People can make a report by calling 0161 856 1995 quoting log number 1485 of 27/11/2023 or via the reporting function on GMP's website, www.gmp.police.uk.
Alternatively, residents can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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