Residents unable to return to homes after fire

The house on Protheroe Street has now been boarded up

Residents who were evacuated when a house fire broke out have been unable to return, and are staying with family and friends as some of the buildings are not structurally safe.

Five properties were impacted by the blaze which broke out in the early hours of Monday.

Despite the ferocity of the fire there were no serious injuries, although a few residents were treated for smoke inhalation.

South Wales Police have said early indications suggest the fire was "started deliberately".

The force added that three men, aged 18, 19 and 23, as well as a 19-year-old woman, who were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, remained in police custody.

At the height of the fire eight appliances as well as specialist firefighter crews were at the scene.

A rest centre was set up by Rhondda Cynon Taf council, which the council said about eight people had used.

In a statement the council said although no resident wanted emergency housing "ongoing support is being provided to residents" and that "some will be out of their homes for a while".

Workmen have now begun the clean up, with shards of smashed glass and melted plastic still outside the property and a burnt-out vehicle on the road outside.

A small cordon was also still in place with officers from South Wales Police at the scene.

A car parked outside the address has been completely destroyed by the fire

A joint investigation by South Wales Police and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service was continuing to determine the exact cause of the fire, with four people still in police custody.

The force also appealed to anyone with dashcam or smart doorbell footage to get in touch.