POLICE have launched a murder investigation following the death of a 62-year old man in a fire at a Kendal hotel.

Two local men aged 41 and 34 were arrested on Sunday to help the police with their enquiries.

This afternoon, the 41-year old was released on bail pending further enquiries.

The blaze started in the Kendal hotel off Highgate at around 12.45am on Sunday.

The dead man comes from County Antrim, Northern Ireland, and his identity was due to be released by police later today.

Seven other of the hotel's residents managed to escape the blaze and Jazz's nightclub had to be evacuated.

Police are appealing for witnesses.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious is asked to call the incident room at Kendal on 01539-818722/23/29/98.