Tinsley fire: Photos of 'explosion' at Sheffield flats as man, 39, arrested on suspicion of arson

A 39-year-old man has been arrested after a maisonette flat in Sheffield was destroyed by a fire.

Emergency services have been at the scene on St Lawrence Road, in Tinsley, since the early hours of this morning following reports of an arson.

Dramatic photos from the scene have shown the extent of the fire which spurred rumours of a 'gas explosion', after the windows and door of a ground-floor maisonette were blown out onto the lawn outside the property.

South Yorkshire Police said: "We were called at around 3.40am earlier today (October 12) to reports of an arson in St Lawrence Road, Sheffield.

"An investigation is ongoing and a 39-year-old man is in custody after being arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life."

The force added that no injuries have been reported, and officers remain at the scene to offer reassurance and support to residents.

A police cordon remains in place around the building and ground work appears to have been undertaken.

South Yorkshire Fire said it is believed that a wheelie bin had been set alight, which caused damage to a gas pipe, causing an explosion within the property.

In a statement, Cadent Gas said: “Cadent engineers were called out to reports of a gas explosion on the morning of Thursday 12th October in St Lawrence Road. Cadent engineers have worked to make the site safe and carry out repair work.

"From the investigative work carried out it is apparent that the explosion was not as a result of a fault within the gas network, and Cadent continues to work with the relevant authorities to identify the precise cause. However, as this is now a police matter, Cadent is unable to make any further comment at this time."