THE BODY of a man has been found at the scene of a fire in the early hours of this morning.

Residents living near the blazing caravan in Stone Lane, Oxenhope, were evacuated after the alarm was raised at 3.30am.

Gas canisters were found at the scene so a police cordon was put in place and several residents were temporarily evacuated to the village community centre.

West Yorkshire Police said this morning that the body of a man had been found, and enquiries were continuing to establish his identity.

A spokesman said: "The cause of the fire is not yet known, but it is not being treated as suspicious and enquiries are continuing with the fire service.

"Road closures remain in place and people are advised to avoid the immediate area."

Shaw Lane, which runs past the junction with Stone Lane, was closed between the A6033 Hebden Bridge Road and Hawksbridge Lane.

Police and firefighters were called to Stone Lane this morning to reports of a caravan fire on Stone Lane.

One resident said they were woken around 3am by an "explosion and serious fire".

Police alerted them and they were evacuated to the community centre at around 5am.

"We’re been allowed home shortly, but being advised to stay indoors, they said.

Worth Valley ward councillor Rebecca Poulsen said: "It is with great sadness that we have learnt of a fatality in this morning’s fire. "My thoughts go out to the friends and family affected. Thank you for all residents who evacuated in the early hours for their safety and to the emergency services who attended the incident." Oxenhope CE Primary School posted on Facebook: "Good morning everyone – we aware of a police incident in the village.

"However I have had confirmation from the police that school can open today."