New life ends in tragedy

AN Oldham man who moved to Plymouth to start a new life has died in a flat fire.

Darren Rostron (37) was killed when a chip-pan blaze is believed to have started at his new home in the Stoke area of the city.

Mr Rostron had moved south about five weeks ago.

His body was found in a bedroom in the smoke-filled house on June 22, but he was only formally identified on Wednesday.

His family have been told and a post-mortem examination has been carried out but failed to establish the cause of death.

Plymouth Coroner Ian Arrow called for more tests and adjourned the inquest.

Mr Rostron’s body is believed to have been returned to Oldham for a family funeral.

Police, fire service and Plymouth housing officers are carrying out a joint investigation.

The rented flat appeared to have had no smoke alarm.

Det Insp John Ardron said: “The family are being supported by police. They have told us their son had come down to Plymouth from Oldham to start a new life.