Three teens arrested for arson after Pontardawe’s old brewery destroyed by fire

Four fire crews from as far away as Tumble in Carmarthenshire were called to tackle the blaze, with 5 gas cylinders also involved in the fire.

A spokesman from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “At 12.13am on Wednesday, February 22nd, crews from Pontardawe, Morriston, Neath and Tumble were called to an incident in Pontardawe following reports of building on fire.

“A derelict building measuring 20mx20m was totally destroyed by fire, with 5 gas cylinders involved within the fire. Crews extinguished and prevented escalation of the fire by using 1 thermal imaging camera, 1 turntable ladder and 4 hose reel jets. The Police were also in attendance and the scene was handed over to them.

“Crews left the scene at 4.51am, with the Pontardawe crew reattending to extinguish embers and hot spots.”

South Wales Police Neighbourhood Inspector Lindsey Sweeney said: “We were called just before 12.30am this morning by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service with a report of a fire at the Old Brewery on High Street in Pontardawe.

“Three teenagers – one boy aged 15 and two girls aged 15 and 14 – have been arrested on suspicion of arson and are currently in police custody.

“Inquiries are continuing into the exact circumstances of the incident.”

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact South Wales Police quoting occurrence number 2300058935.

(Lead image: Andrew Simeon / Instagram)