Updated: Properties evacuated following house fire in Knottingley

Firefighters and police were called to a house on Windermere Drive at 5.57am this morning (Thursday) to reports of a house fire where a man was trapped.

Fortunately, the man managed to escape, but the fire - which started in a bedroom but quickly spread to the roof - was so severe that police had to evacuate neighbouring houses. A road closure was also put in place around Windermere Drive.

Police have issued a witness appeal following the fire and are working with West Yorkshire Fire Service to establish the cause.

Detective Inspector Lis Walker, of Wakefield District CID, said: “We are investigating this incident today and are working closely with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Wakefield District Housing. Thankfully the man inside the property was not injured.

“Initial enquiries are underway to determine whether there are any suspicious circumstances or not, but we would like to speak to anyone who may have information about the fire.”

Fire crews from Pontefract, Castleford and Featherstone attended the incident. Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used two hose reels and positive pressure ventilation to extinguish the fire.

A fire investigation officer has been on the scene from most of the day but is unable to access the bedroom and the roof is unsafe. Floor boards are also very badly burnt.

Anyone with information should contact Wakefield District CID on 101 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.