Police ‘working tirelessly’ on probe into chimney collapse that killed man, 47

POLICE SAY they are “working tirelessly” to establish why a chimney collapsed on a house in Bradford, killing one of the occupants.

Mark Spence, 47, died when the chimney of a neighbouring property crashed through the roof of his house on Knights Fold, Bradford, at about 5am on Sunday.

He suffered fatal injuries and a post-mortem examination was being conducted yesterday to establish the cause of his death.

A 28-year-old woman, who also lived at the house, was rushed to hospital with serious injuries. She remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

A family from the neighbouring rented house, including three children, were taken from their property unharmed and will be rehoused. West Yorkshire Police have launched a full investigation into the incident working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Detective Chief Inspector Vanessa Rolfe, who is leading the investigation, said: “This was a terrible incident which sadly resulted in a man suffering fatal injuries and also leaving a woman seriously injured.

“We have specialist officers supporting both of their families during this time.

“We have been working tirelessly since the weekend to establish the cause of the collapse of the chimney from the rented property onto a neighbouring house. We have been liaising with the Health and Safety Executive as well as other experts to determine the circumstances.”

Anyone with any information about the trgedy is asked to contact the police via 101 quoting crime reference number 13200424189.

Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.