Two die in flat fire

The fire burnt through the roof of the maisonette

Two people have died in a fire at a first floor flat in Cardiff.

The blaze at the privately-owned one bedroom maisonette in Fairwater was reported to the fire service at 0845 BST on Wednesday.

Council workers who were in the area tried to save the occupants but were beaten back by the fire.

Neighbours were told to leave their homes while forensic teams carried out their investigations.

Assistant divisional officer, Phil Harding, who is based at Cardiff Central Fire Station, said the workers happened to be in the area at the time.

Forensic teams are gathering evidence from the scene

Mr Harding said: "It was a nasty fire. The actions of the council workers were very brave in managing to help the persons concerned but the severity of the fire was such that they were beaten back.

"It was a fierce fire and until we have carried out our investigations I can't give any conjectures as to how long it had been smouldering."

Neighbours gathered in the street as firefighters continued to dampen down the remains of the fire.

One woman, who did not wish to be named, said she was waiting to hear whether she could return to her home.

"I don't know what the damage to our maisonette is whether it is water or smoke or whatever, but whatever it is I am sure it is repairable.

"The firefighters have said they will come and talk to me when they have got something to tell me."

An adjoining maisonette was evacuated during the blaze because of the smoke. Two others were found to be empty.

Police and the South Wales Fire Service are conducting an investigation.

Fire investigation officers are at the scene and will be using an arson detector dog as part of their investigation.