Woman killed in suspected arson attack on home

A woman has died in a suspected arson attack after fire ripped through a home. Emergency services including police and the fire service remain at Henllys Way in St Dials, Cwmbran, after being called to the scene at around 8.40pm on Saturday.

On Sunday morning police confirmed a woman had died and a teenage boy has been arrested.

Gwent Police superintendent Laura Bartley said: "We can confirm that a 75-year-old woman has died at the scene of the fire. Her family has been informed and will be supported by specially-trained officers.

"We understand that reports of this nature can be concerning however we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.

“Residents may see an increased number of officers in the area while inquires are being carried out.

"If anyone has any information please speak to our officers or contact us in the usual way.”

A force spokesman added: "We were called to a report of a fire at an address in Henllys Way, St Dials, Cwmbran, at around 8.40pm on Saturday, October 18.

"Officers attended along with the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and the Welsh Ambulance Service.

"A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and remains in police custody at this time."

Pictures from the scene show one house badly damaged by fire. Its roof has caved in and there is black soot spilling from the windows. An eyewitness in the area on Sunday said the property appeared to have been "gutted".

The Welsh Ambulance Service were also in attendance and Flightradar, an aircraft tracking site, shows an air ambulance landed near the scene.

People in the area were asked by Gwent Police to keep their doors and windows closed on Saturday night.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service