Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of a 42-year-old man.

The victim was pulled from a burning block of flats, in Mill Street, Barwell, by firefighters at about 10pm, last night.

Two local men have been arrested in connection with the incident and remain in police custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Harrison, the senior investigating officer in the case, said: "Following a postmortem examination today I can confirm that we have launched a murder inquiry.

"The investigation is still in its early stages. I'm trying to piece together exactly what happened at the flat where the fire took place."

A police spokesman said Mill Street and the surrounding area will remain cordoned off "for the foreseeable future" to allow officers to conduct a thorough search of the flat.

The dead man's identity is not being released until all members of his family have been informed.

Anyone with any information can contact police on 0116 222 2222, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.