Man, 49, arrested on suspicion of murder after Cwmbran fire Published duration 19 May 2015

image copyright Tom Martin/Wales News Service image caption Neighbours used ladders to try and save Samantha Thomas, 29

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a woman was killed in a fire in Torfaen.

Samantha Thomas, who had just turned 29, died at a flat on Shakespeare Road, St Dials, Cwmbran, despite neighbours' desperate attempts to save her.

A 49-year-old man, rescued from the apartment and treated at Newport's Royal Gwent Hospital for smoke inhalation, was arrested.

The remaining three flats in the block have been evacuated.

The fire broke out on Tuesday at about 06:40 BST.

image copyright Tom Martin/Wales News Service image caption Ms Thomas died at the scene on Tuesday morning

image copyright other image caption Crews were called to the blaze in St Dials, Cwmbran, at about 06:40 BST on Tuesday

media caption Gaynor Haines said she heard 'terrific screams'

image copyright Tom Martin/Wales News Service image caption Firefighters and police are investigating the cause of the blaze

image copyright Tom Martin/Wales News Service image caption The fire broke out in a flat in a block of four - the remaining flats have been evacuated

image copyright Tom Martin/Wales News Service image caption A 49-year-old man was arrested after being treated at Newport's Royal Gwent Hospital

image copyright Tom Martin/Wales News Service image caption Fire crews arrived at the scene at about 06:40 BST on Tuesday

media caption Nikki Mahagan was woken by the sound of the fire and ran to see if he could help

Neighbour Gaynor Haines said: "I could hear these terrific screams and I looked out the bedroom window and it was just flames. Dreadful.

"Everyone's in shock, in shock, because we all knew them."

Another neighbour, David Leedham, 20, tried to help Ms Thomas escape.

He said: "The flat was engulfed in flames and she was on the balcony. We tried to reach her with a ladder but couldn't get there."

More than 30 firefighters from Cardiff and Newport rushed to the one-bedroom first floor flat where they tried to get the blaze under control.

They entered the apartment using breathing apparatus and rescued the man who was taken to hospital.

Senior officer Ian Greenman said: "I wish to extend my sympathies on behalf of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service to the family and friends of the individual who sadly lost their life today."

The block of flats had to be evacuated following the blaze and the neighbours are being provided with alternative accommodation.

Duncan Forbes, chief executive of Bron Afon, which owns the flats, said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the woman who died this morning.

"We have found alternative accommodation for seven residents who were evacuated and will be offering any help needed by the police and fire service in their investigation."

Officers want witnesses to call 101.