Man found dead after explosion in Rotherham as people hear 'massive bang' from miles away

Man found dead after explosion in Rotherham as people hear 'massive bang' from miles away Officers were called to Clifton Mount in Rotherham on Tuesday afternoon, South Yorkshire Police said, with a man 'sadly found deceased' A man has been killed in an explosion on a town street, after people reported hearing a "massive bang" from miles away. Officers were dispatched to Clifton Mount in Rotherham on Tuesday afternoon, South Yorkshire Police said, with a man "sadly found deceased" at the scene. The cause of the blast remains under investigation, with gas distributor Cadent Gas saying 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 cordoned off to enable emergency services to carry out their work. It has since been reopened to the public. 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." Local resident Craig Cockram revealed he received a knock at his door from police roughly 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 informed by officers that they were evacuating occupants from the three-storey building. "I'm just shocked, bemused," he said. "I can't believe what's happened."