Police watchdog informed of fatal fire in Rotherham
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A 48-year-old man died when a fire broke out in a flat on Hill Top Lane, Kimberworth, on Wednesday night.
South Yorkshire Police said officers were initially deployed to the street ‘following reports of a man causing damage to a flat’.
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Firefighters were alerted to the incident and searched the burning flat.
They found the occupant of the flat but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A multi-agency investigation into the fire was mounted and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said it was determined that the fire was ‘probably started deliberately’.
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Hide AdOfficers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the fire.
South Yorkshire Police said: “Police attended a property on Hill Top Lane, Kimberworth, Rotherham, following reports of a man causing damage to a flat.
“On arrival, officers were unable to gain access to the property.
“While officers were outside, a smoke alarm sounded from inside the flat and colleagues from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service were called for assistance.
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Hide Ad“A 48-year-old man was rescued from the address but was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
“A multi-agency investigation into the fire is underway but there are no apparent suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.“South Yorkshire Police is making a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct following this incident. The referral is due to police contact with the man before his death.”