Police investigate whether man found dead in house fire was murdered

Police are investigating whether a man whose body was found inside a burning home in Adelaide's north-west was murdered before his home was set on fire in an attempt to destroy evidence.

The body of Bill Frangos, 72, was found by firefighters inside his home on Essex Street in Woodville Gardens early yesterday morning.

Police and emergency services were called to the property after a passerby noticed "an orange glow emanating from inside the premises".

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The house was left with considerable fire damage, while a dog was found unharmed in the backyard.

"As a result of the investigation, we are satisfied Bill was murdered and the house was set on fire to deliberately destroy evidence related to that murder," South Australia Police major crime acting operations inspector Matthew Fitzpatrick alleged.

Detectives have spent the morning searching two homes and dismantling equipment found inside.

Police said items used to cultivate cannabis were taken away as a part of the investigation.

"There is some information that cannabis was used in respect to this incident," Fitzpatrick said.

Neighbours said Frangos had lived at the home for more than 40 years with a loyal and protective dog that was heard barking incessantly on the evening of his death.

"He was barking really viciously and it was going for a long time, pretty much all night, every time I woke up I could," one neighbour told 9News.

Frangos was often seen walking in the area with his pet.

Police and detectives have swarmed both Bill's home and the home he owned next door but have not made any arrests.

"We believe the people or persons responsible may have been known to Bill," Fitzpatrick said.

Investigators are looking for anyone with information or security vision in the lead-up to the fire.

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