Man remanded over blaze 'attack'

Police broke through the doors of the house

A 25-year-old-man has been remanded in custody accused of attempted murder, theft, and arson with intent to endanger life.

Shane Thompson appeared at Cwmbran Magistrates Court four days after a 41-year-old man was found repeatedly stabbed in his burning home in Newport, south east Wales.

Specialist teams arrive to examine the scene

Martin Lewis remains critically ill but stable at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.

Firefighters and police officers are continuing their joint investigation into the blaze in the Crindau area of Newport.

Residents of Glasswork Cottages told how they heard a commotion in the early hours and called the emergency services when they saw smoke pouring from the windows.

Three police officers broke through the door and rescued the man inside who had already been attacked with a knife.

'Quiet and friendly'

Neighbours described Mr Lewis - who had lived in the house for the past 15 years - as "quiet and friendly".

"Everybody's just in shock," said neighbour Linda Henderson.

Officer Flannagan: Different seats of fire

Another neighbour Elizabeth Blair said she had known the injured man for years.

"He seemed to be a nice boy," she said.

"He used to stop and speak to me. I thought he was alright."

Scenes of crimes officers and a special investigation team conducted a detailed search of the house to establish how the fire started.