Tinsley Sheffield: Dramatic photo shows maisonette flat blown out by gas explosion caused by bin fire

Emergency services are at a block of flats in Sheffield this afternoon following reports of arson.

They were deployed to St Lawrence Road in Tinsley, Sheffield, at the early hours of this morning (Thursday, October 12).

In a statement, South Yorkshire Police said they were called to the scene at 3.40am today. A man, aged 39, is in police custody after being arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Outside a block of flats, which is taped off by the police, damaged windows and a door lay on the ground outside.

Photos from the scene show the extent of the incident, with the interior of a ground-floor maisonette completely visible after the windows and door were blown out. Areas of the exterior brickwork appear to have been blackened by smoke.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Three fire engines were called at 3.40am this morning to a wheelie bin fire outside a ground floor flat on St Lawrence Road, Tinsley, Sheffield.

"It is believed that this fire damaged a nearby gas pipe which caused an explosion within the property.

"No one was injured and the fire was extinguished by firefighters but the building was later evacuated due to high gas levels within other flats in the property.

"Firefighters had left the scene by 5.17am. The fire is believed to have been set deliberately."

Cadent Gas said: “Cadent engineers were called out to reports of a gas explosion on the morning of Thursday October 12 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."

More to follow.