TRIBUTES have been paid to a father who died after apparently setting himself alight using petrol.

Anthony Breeze, aged 36, of Watts Street, in Horwich , died on Saturday morning, a day after he was found in flames in Gooch Street, Horwich.

David Alty, the 36-year-old’s boss at Webster Drives, where he had worked for seven years said he was a “valued” colleague.

Mr Breeze was employed as a driver and storeman at the engineering firm, in Fold Road.

Mr Alty, plant manager at the company, said: “I’ve spoken to some family members about the incident and on behalf of the company, I passed on our condolences. For Webster Drives, it’s a loss of a valued employee.”

Neighbours have described Mr Breeze, a motor sports fan, as a polite and respectful family man. He leaves behind his fiancee and the couple’s five-year-old daughter.

It is believed Mr Breeze bought fuel from a petrol station, before walking along a track that runs behind rows of houses, off Chorley New Road.

At the bottom of Gooch Street, just yards from his terraced house , he doused himself in petrol and set himself alight.

Workers from a nearby factory tried to put out the flames.

An inquest will be opened into Mr Breeze’s death.