This is Frank Burton - who died in a suspected gas explosion at his house in Wythenshawe.
The 91-year-old widower was tragically found dead following the blast on Brownley Road last night (Thursday). Police said there were reports of a gas explosion, though specific details have not yet been confirmed.
Frank's family paid tribute to him at the scene this morning as investigations continued, describing him as 'a character and a good guy'. His brother Philip said he feared that his sibling - a dad-of-two - may have bought an appliance to 'help with the cold snap in anticipation of rising energy bills' - and that it may have sparked the blast.
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He said: "The explosion is typical of gas. Whether that's mains gas, or if he had something in to help with the cold snap and anticipating rise in energy, he may have bought something."
An appliance may have been left on and could have sparked the explosion the Manchester Evening News understands, though this has not been confirmed by officials. Cadent workers, fire officers and police remain at the house this afternoon.
Mark Threader, borough commander for Manchester for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, and Mark Dixon, Detective Inspector at GMP, both spoke from the scene and said that investigations were in the early stages.
"As things stand at the moment, we are in the phase of making the premises safe so we can carry out investigations. GMFRS, GMP and Cadent gas are working closely together to try and find out what caused the incident", Mr Threader said.
DI Dixon added that he had been told by the fire service that the incident was 'isolated'. He said: "This was specific to that premises and there is not a wider risk to other properties. We're keeping an open mind and exploring all lines of enquiry."
A major incident was declared for a short time last night before it was stood down by emergency services. A large cordon was put in place on Brownley Road as some residents were evacuated from their homes.
This afternoon, a small cordon remains in place on the pavement in front of the badly damaged house. Several emergency services vehicles remain at the scene.
