THE grieving family of a disabled man who died after he was doused in white spirit and torched in his home have appealed for calm after violent threats were posted on the Internet.

The threats were believed to have been posted by friends of Michael Toye, 43, after learning he had died from his injuries in hospital yesterday morning almost a week after suspected arsonists struck.

Detectives have so far refused to call their investigation a murder inquiry, but admitted they are investigating the suspicious death of Mr Toye.

He was rushed to hospital six days ago after being discovered at his home in Simmons Close in Hedge End with horrific burns to his face, hands, and body.

Police said they believed that in the early hours of last Thursday someone had broken into his home and doused him in white spirit before lighting it and running off - leaving Mr Toye suffering 50 per cent burns to his body.

A 17-year-old man arrested in connection with this incident is on police bail and is due to report at Eastleigh police station on Tuesday, June 12.

To read more, see today's Daily Echo