Update fatal fire Tillsland, Coed Eva, Cwmbran

Published: Tuesday, 18 September 2012

Police received a call at approximately 3.30am this morning from the Fire Service who were attending a fire at an address in Tillsland, Coed Eva, Cwmbran.

Fire Service and Gwent Police forensic investigations have begun this morning; officers will also be conducting house to house enquiries in the area and searches of the surrounding areas have also begun. Police are appealing for anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the vicinity of the address before the fire was reported at 3.31am, to call 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or speak to officers at the scene.

A 27 year old man from the Manchester area has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in custody.

Chief Inspector Steve Corcoran, Local Policing Inspector said:

"This is a tragic incident that involved three generations of the same family and our condolences are with the family of the victims. We would ask, on their behalf, for them to be left alone to grieve at this time. Our family liaison officers are supporting them at this dreadful time. This has affected the wider community, they were well known within the community and their loss will be keenly felt and they will be missed. We are grateful for the co-operation of the community at this awful time. We are working with partners to ensure that all those affected will be given support.

"Our officers will remain at the scene for anyone who wants to speak to them, anyone who has any concerns or any information about this incident, specifically anyone who heard or saw anything suspicious leading up to the fire, people can also call us on 101 or crimestoppers on 0800 555111."

Dewi Rose, Head of Operations, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said

"Five Fire Stations and approximately 30 firefighters quickly arrived at the scene of the incident and fire crews worked hard to extinguish the fire and attempted to rescue the persons trapped inside the building.

"South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Urban Search and Rescue Team, are currently in attendance at the scene shoring up the property to enable scenes of crime officers and SWFRS fire investigation team to investigate the scene.

"We are and will continue to work with our partners Gwent Police and scenes of crime to establish the cause of the fire.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those that have sadly lost their lives today"

Three people were confirmed deceased inside the address, two adults and one infant believed to be 46 year old Kim Buckley, her daughter 17 year old Kayleigh Buckley and her grand daughter six month old Kimberley Buckley although they have yet to be formally identified. The family have been asked to left alone to grieve at this time.