Man killed in Bradford roof collapse named as West Yorkshire Police appeal for information

A man who was killed when a chimney collapsed into his bedroom has been named by police.
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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 is being conducted today to establish the cause of his death.

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A 28-year-old woman, who also lived at the house, was rushed to hospital with serious injuries.#

Mark Spence, 47, died when the chimney of a neighbouring property crashed into his house in BradfordMark Spence, 47, died when the chimney of a neighbouring property crashed into his house in Bradford
Mark Spence, 47, died when the chimney of a neighbouring property crashed into his house in Bradford
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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).

West Yorkshire Police have launched a full investigation into the incident (Photo: Simon Hulme)West Yorkshire Police have launched a full investigation into the incident (Photo: Simon Hulme)
West Yorkshire Police have launched a full investigation into the incident (Photo: Simon Hulme)

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.

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"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 (HSE) as well as other experts to determine the circumstances.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the police via 101 quoting crime reference number 13200424189 or via the LiveChat facility on the West Yorkshire Police website.

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

Neighbours heard 'loud bang' and screaming

Neighbours of Mr Spence said they heard a "loud bang" and screaming in the early hours of the morning.

Paul Wright, 30, of nearby Southfield Lane, said he heard the woman screaming, after being woken up by the noise of the roof collapsing.

He said: "At about half past four this morning I heard a big, loud bang, like an explosion.

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"I came out with my partner to see what had gone on and noticed one of the neighbour's roofs had collapsed and then noticed all the emergency services come.

"It's a big tragedy to all the neighbours, what's gone on, it's just a big shock to everybody.

"They were lovely people, quiet, kept themselves to themselves. I'd only seen them a few times when they were walking their dogs but to me they just seemed nice, pleasant people and it's just a big shock what's happened."

Mr Wright added: "It took them the best part of an hour, over an hour, to get her out the house, which is understandable with all the roof that's collapsed.

"They had to take the full window out to carry her out."

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Neighbour Simon Gott, 22, said the woman rang his mother, Jacqueline, shortly after the incident.

He said: "She rang my mum 10 minutes after it happened but my mum was asleep, so she must have been scared."

Iqbal Zahir, who also lives on Southfield Lane, which joins on to Knight's Fold, said: "It was about half past four in the morning and I heard a big bang. I opened the window and looked around but I couldn't see anything.

"It's really sad. It was the chimney, they need repairing, these are old houses."

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Awais Asghar, who works in a nearby corner shop, said: "A chimney collapsed straight on to their roof and straight through and unfortunately the man passed away. He was a regular customer of mine. They were a nice couple."