A SECURITY guard has died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning after it is believed he lit a fire in a portable cabin to keep warm.

The 28-year-old man was found dead in a portable cabin in Queen Street, Leigh, where work on the guided busway is being carried out, on Saturday morning.

It is understood the victim, named locally as Javaid Iqbal, died from carbon monoxide poisoning after apparently inhaling fumes from a fire he had lit in a wheelbarrow to keep warm.

His cabin was one of several at the site.

A man who works nearby and did not wished not to be named, said: “He made a fire in a wheelbarrow in his cabin and died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

“We think, but we are only guessing, that the generator stopped working and he went to buy some coals to keep warm.

"The generator was still working though because they had it up and running later that day. "

The case has been referred to the Health and Safety Executive who are investigating his death with police.

An HSE spokesman said: "The man was working for North Midland at the time. The police and HSE investigate all deaths that happen in the workplace and we will decide if it is something that we need to pursue.”

Construction company North Midland Construction PLC is contracted by Wigan Council to carry out work on the guided busway in Leigh town centre.

A spokesman for the company said: "North Midland Construction were shocked and saddened by the death of Mr Iqbal and the company’s thoughts are with his family and friends.

"As is normal in such circumstances the matter is presently in the hands of the police and Heath and Safety Executive and accordingly it would be inappropriate for the company to comment further."

Firefighters were also called to the incident and they put out a small fire.

A fire service spokesman said: “We got a call at 8.24am. We attended and we put a fire out.

“It was not a raging fire but smouldering and unfortunately there was a man in there who had died.”

A file has been sent to the coroner.

A police spokesman said: “Shortly after 7.30am on Saturday December 6, police were called to a building site on Queen Street in Leigh.

“Officers attended and found the body of a 28-year-old man.

“There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances and a file has been prepared for the coroner.”

People have paid tribute to the victim on Facebook.

Susan Nixon wrote "How very sad. God bless the poor man and his family.RIP", while Paul Ramon wrote "A tragedy, poor chap just trying to keep warm, condolences to his family and friends".