At least six people are believed to have died in a house fire in Llangammarch Wells in Powys. Three other children escaped from the property.
The fire broke out in the early hours of Monday (Oct 30).
Three children aged 13, 12 and 10 escaped but five others aged between four and 11 years are missing, presumed dead.
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed at a press conference on Tuesday that all of the victims are related.
In the latest update Superintendent Jon Cummins said: “Dyfed-Powys Police is continuing to investigate and deal with the tragic house fire that occurred at Pointyn Farm, Llangammarch Wells, Powys shortly after midnight on Monday October 30. Specialist scientists and fire investigators continue to assess the scene, which is very complex and perilous.
“The 13, 12 and 10 year old children that managed to escape remain in hospital. None are in a life threatening condition, and they are being supported by specialist officers and family. Based on current information available to us, we are working on the hypothesis that 1 adult male and 5 children, aged between 11 and 4 years old, are unaccounted for and believed to be deceased within the house. Due to the severity of damage at the scene we are unable at this stage to identify any of the deceased.
“At this time we are treating the cause of the fire as unexplained. The family are our priority and they are being kept informed, and fully supported by specialist officers. They have asked that their privacy is respected at this extremely difficult and traumatic time, and do not wish to be contacted in any way. They would also like to thank friends and locals for their support, sympathies and all kindness shown to them.
“Our officers and all our partners such as the fire service are working in extremely challenging conditions and circumstances, and I thank and commend them for their efforts. This is a tragic incident, and our deepest sympathies are with the family and all those affected.”
