Tragedy of boy, 13, killed after garden shed catches fire in Campsall, Doncaster

A police officer lays flowers at the scene at Byron Avenue in Campsall, South Yorkshire, where the body of a 13-year-old boy has been found following a fire in a shed.

The teenager, named locally as Jack Sheldon, was found after a blaze broke out in a shed in Byron Avenue, Campsall, at 9pm yesterday.

Firefighters made the grim discovery after extinguishing the blaze.

An investigation into the incident is now under way.

The scene in Doncaster where a 13 year old boy died in a shed fire. Picture: Ross Parry Agency

It is believed Jack lived at the end-of-terrace house with his mother, Carlie Swatten, 32, and younger brother Lewis.

At the property his morning, tarpolin covered the shed in the back garden. Next to the shed is a trampoline.

In the garden, which looks out onto the main road, a black tarpaulin sheet hung around an area where fire investigators were working.

A floral tribute outside the property read: “We are all thinking of you. There are no words that can be spoken.

The scene at Byron Avenue in Campsall, South Yorkshire, where the body believed to be that of a 13-year-old boy has been found following a fire in a shed.

“Just know that we share your sorrow.”

A neighbour, who didn’t wish to be named, said: “I was out last night when it happened.

“I know they kept a motorbike and petrol in the shed.

“I spoke to his mum last night and they aren’t coping with what happened.”

Another neighbour described seeing flames, saying: “It was my dogs that alerted the fire to me first around 8.30pm.

“The flames were above the trees and I could hear all this crackling and popping.

“I didn’t hear any screaming but I heard voices later on that I assume is was the police or fire investigators.”

Former Labour leader and current MP for Doncaster North Ed Miliband tweeted: “Very saddened by the news from Campsall about the death of a young boy. All my thoughts with his family.”

Simon Dunker, from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue service, said the investigation into the blaze was in its early days but would “cover every avenue”.

He said: “On arrival we found a shed well alight and proceeded to extinguish the fire. At that time is when we discovered there had been a fatality within the shed.

“(The investigation) is a slow process.

“South Yorkshire Police are working extremely closely with the family, we would like to express our condolences to the family at this tragic event.”

Two fire engines had been sent to the incident. Crews worked quickly to put out the fire, said the brigade, before the body was found inside the shed.

On social media, Jack’s friends paid tribute.

One wrote: “Rip jack son you meant the world to me and many others, things just aren’t going to be the same without you. You were taken way too soon and you will always be missed I love you son rip”

A female friend wrote: “Rest in paradise jack,known you soooo long and thats the worst news ever,one of my best friends ever- gone but never forgotten, taken too young. love you always xxxxx”

Another friend posted: “Will be missed dearly.”