Man found dead after 'explosion' in Rotherham

A man has been found dead after emergency services were called to reports of an "explosion" in South Yorkshire.

Officers were called to Clifton Mount in Rotherham on Tuesday afternoon, South Yorkshire Police said, with a man "sadly found deceased".

The cause of the explosion is under investigation, the force said, with gas distributor Cadent Gas confirming it was "not an issue related to our gas network".

"Initial enquiries indicate that there is no risk to the wider community," a police spokesperson added.

Clifton Mount was closed off to allow emergency services to work but has since reopened.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Crews were called at 13:18 BST to reports of an explosion on Clifton Mount in Rotherham.

"Three fire engines from Rotherham and Tankersley fire stations attended and made the scene safe alongside partner agencies."

A Cadent Gas spokesperson said: "First and foremost, our thoughts go out to the loved ones of the individual who has lost their life in tragic circumstances.

"Cadent's role on site has been to support the emergency services as best we possibly can, and we will continue to do that."

Craig Cockram said he received a knock on his door from police about 30 minutes after he "heard a bang...as if there was a shooting".

The resident, who lives in a block of flats on Clifton Mount, was told by officers they were evacuating those inside the three-storey block.

"I'm just shocked, bemused," he said. "I can't believe what's happened."

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