Police have released a CCTV image of a retired lecturer captured the day before his body was found in a suspicious fire at his bungalow.
Christopher Proctor, 88, from Blackburn, Lancashire, was already dead before the blaze was started, although the exact cause of death has yet to be established.
Mr Proctor, who lived alone, was found inside his home in Pleckgate Road when police were called by the fire service to the address shortly before 4am on November 10.
His bank book and wallet have been recovered from separate drains in the area and officers have found CCTV that shows somebody attempting to withdraw cash from his bank.
Detectives have released a CCTV image of Mr Proctor using a cash machine at the Tesco Express store in Whalley New Road at about 3pm on November 9. They believe it is possibly one of the last sightings of the language teacher who taught at the former Blackburn Technical College.
Senior investigating officer, Detective Superintendent Paul Withers, said: "I believe that the answers to Mr Proctor's death lie within the local community and I would urge people to come forward with information.
"I am keen to speak to anyone who saw Mr Proctor or any suspicious activity in or around his home address on Pleckgate Road to get in touch.
"This is an incredibly difficult time for the family and I have specially trained officers supporting them. Understandably, they need answers and I hope that those people who have those answers do the right thing and come forward and speak to the police."
A 30-year-old woman and a 38-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder have been released on bail pending further inquiries.
Anyone with information should call the major incident room at Blackburn on 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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