Second arson near blaze flats

Twenty firefighters tackled the fire at the housing complex on Sunday

Police investigating an arson in Cardiff, which left two pensioners with serious injuries, have revealed that a neighbouring flat was also set alight.

Two elderly men are still being treated in hospital after the blaze at their housing complex.

The fire broke out at 0339 BST on Sunday at the Alexandra Court sheltered accommodation flats in Ethel Street in Canton.

Officers said on Monday that another blaze was started on the same night, at the home of a 65-year-old woman on the same street.

That fire started in the bathroom of her ground floor flat in Clive Court but burned itself out, police said.

David Morgan, 65, and 82-year-old Vincent Jones were taken to Morriston Hospital in Swansea with serious injuries following the blaze.

Mr Morgan remained in a critical condition on Tuesday in the special burns unit. while Mr Jones is "stable" and has been moved out of the high dependancy unit.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Clarke said that in all three cases curtains or blinds had been set alight and that he was linking the cases.

Terry Povey, a friend of Mr Morgan, said he was partially paralysed after a stroke and would have had difficulty getting out quickly.

"He has a job answering the door - he has an emergency button but I can't see him having time to use that," said Mr Povey.

Five other residents were treated by paramedics at the scene and others have been moved to other accommodation.

Crews from three stations across Cardiff were called to deal with the incident at the three storeys high Alexandra Court.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus tackled the blaze.

This is a callous attack on some of the most vulnerable people in our community Det Ch Insp Simon Clarke

It was discovered that there were two seats of fire in the building.

Det Chief Insp Clarke said: "This is a callous attack on some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

"Two elderly gentlemen are currently in a very serious condition at Morriston Hospital, Swansea, one of whom is fighting for his life.

Thirteen residents have been moved from the housing complex

"Ethel Street is in a quiet area and we believe it would be very unusual to see anyone around these premises during the early hours.

"I strongly urge anyone who saw anything suspicious in this area to contact us.

"It is possible that night workers hold information that could be vital to us in identifying the people who did this.

"If you're a taxi driver, a milkman preparing for your round or someone on their way home from town and saw anything or anyone unusual please call us," he added.

A spokeswoman for South Wales Fire Service said: "Five people were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene by ambulance crews.

"Thirteen people living at the housing were moved to other accommodation in Fairwater.

"We are carrying out a joint investigation with the police into how the fire started," she added.

House to house enquiries have been conducted and a specialist scientist has also been called in to assist in the investigation.

Police said they wanted to reassure pensioners not to worry because they believed the fires to be isolated incidents.

But they are asking people to check on their elderly neighbours to make sure that they are well.

South Wales Police are asking anyone with any information to contact them on 02920 571510.