Police arrest 27-year-old man, after baby who had just been discharged from hospital dies in south Wales house blaze

This article is more than 8 years old

This article is more than 8 years old

Three generations of a family, including a baby girl who had just arrived home from hospital, have been killed in a suspected arson attack.

Six-month-old Kimberley Buckley, her mother, Kayleigh Buckley, 17, and grandmother Kim Buckley, 46, all died in the fire at their house in south Wales.

Detectives were investigating the cause of the blaze and arrested a 27-year-old man on suspicion of murder.

Neighbours said Kimberley had been born prematurely and had only been discharged from hospital the day before the fire at the house in Cwmbran in the early hours of Tuesday. Her twin sister died in hospital shortly after they were born.

Family friend Terena Mellor, 26, said: "This is such a tragedy. Kim and Kayleigh were very close and this should have been a happy time for everyone in the family. It is difficult to believe what has happened."

She described Kim Buckley as a "bubbly, popular character who was liked by all who knew her". She had been delighted to welcome her granddaughter home and had decorated the semi-detached house with "Welcome" banners.

Two neighbours had tried to save the Buckleys, climbing a ladder to the first floor, but were beaten back by the heat and smoke.

Neighbour Sandra Gough, said: "I heard banging and screaming at about 3am. It is terrible, absolutely horrific."

Colin Haggett, another neighbour, added: "People are devastated for the family. This has come as a real shock."

Friends and neighbours of the family left floral tributes outside the semi-detached house as police combed the scene and made house-to-house inquiries.

Chief Inspector Steve Corcoran, of Gwent police, said: "This is a tragic incident that involved three generations of the same family and our condolences are with the family of the victims. They were well known within the community and their loss will be keenly felt and they will be missed."

Police appealed for anyone who saw anything suspicious to contact them. A spokesman said officers and firefighters were called to the blaze at about 3.30am on Tuesday.

"Three people were confirmed deceased inside the address, two adults and one infant believed to be 46-year-old Kim Buckley, her daughter 17-year-old Kayleigh and her granddaughter six-month-old Kimberley, although they have yet to be formally identified," he said.

"The family have asked to be left alone to grieve at this time."

Politicians expressed their condolences. Torfaen Welsh assembly member Lynne Neagle said: "I'm totally shocked by this tragedy, which has seen three innocent lives lost in terrible circumstances."

Paul Murphy, MP for Torfaen, added: "My heart goes out to the family and friends of those killed in this awful fire. I'd appeal for anyone who can help the police with their investigation to come forward."