Bin fire 'was started deliberately' (From Free Press Series)

Bin fire 'was started deliberately'

9:07am Monday 22nd October 2007

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MORE than 20 people were evacuated from a burning block of flats in Pontypool on Friday night.

A fire broke out at a three-storey block of 12 flats, Hardy Court, on George Street, Pontnewynydd at around 9pm on Friday after a nearby bin area was deliberately set alight. Police, fire and ambulance services all attended.

A spokeswoman for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the fire was started deliberately. She said the bin storage area had been destroyed by the flames.

The fire is being treated as suspicious and police have arrested a 42-year-old local man in relation to it. They are also appealing for witnesses to come forward with any information and are particularly keen to speak to two youths seen around the back of the flats at around 9pm, as they may hold information vital to the investigation.

Although there were no serious casualties several residents suffered smoke inhalation, including a pregnant woman and her two young children.

They were treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport.

The evacuated residents were put up in emergency accommodation provided by Torfaen Borough Council.

Anyone with information should call Gwent Police on 01633 838111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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