Blaze left one home badly damaged and several evacuated
A FIFTH person has been charged with arson following a serious house fire in Ferndale, Rhondda Cynon Taf.
The incident happened on Protheroe Street in the early hours of Sunday, 28 July. One house was severely damaged, and nearby residents had to be evacuated as emergency services tackled the blaze.
While there were no serious injuries, several people were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene.
Man from Weston-super-Mare charged
On Tuesday (Aug 6), South Wales Police confirmed that Lewis Manito, 32, from Weston-super-Mare, has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life.
He is the fifth person to face charges over the incident.
Four others already before the courts
On Tuesday, 30 July, four other individuals — Storm Truman, 19, Auryn Guster, 19, Connor Pitt, 23, and Alfie Wheeler, 18 — all also from Weston-super-Mare, appeared at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court charged with the same offence.
Mr Wheeler faces an additional charge of possessing a bladed article in a public place.
None of the defendants entered a plea during the hearing.
All in custody
All five suspects remain in police custody and are due to appear in court again at a later date.
Emergency services were first called to the scene at around 1:30am on Sunday, 28 July.
