Hi all,
Thanks for your replies and suggestions and the Rover tech video. It all helps

Doing a bit more investigation and looks like I’ve found the culprit! Taking off the bottom timing belt cover and found this ¼” bolt floating around amongst the machinery. Not just sure where it has come adrift from yet? (For the picture I’ve placed it on the belt here near the major tear across the rubber.)

https://www.dropbox.com/s/2bnqhpdow97ijea/Timing%20belt%20tear.JPG?dl=0

Doesn’t appear to be any broken teeth on the cam belt, just the tear and a couple of other nicks on the side.

Seems the timing belt cover on my motor differs to the pictures in the Haynes manual. Trying to find the bottom mark to line the crankshaft sprocket up to that on the motor so I can then check the camshaft sprockets to see how far out the alignment is. As I manually turn the crankshaft, in the loosest position I can deflect the timing belt almost 40mm so maybe a tensioner has come loose as well. New belt ETA next Tuesday all being well.

Next I’ll take off the cam covers and see if I can check any damage to the valves. (my “bush” mechanic ability not so hot so will probably call on someone with more skills than myself for some help). Expecting we’ll need to take off the head possibly. If it comes to that, will need to source gaskets for the head and cams? I’m in Oz so not sure if they will be available locally yet or not.
Regards,
Col.