Two men admit arson after house destroyed in fire

One property was destroyed in the fire, while others nearby were evacuated and some residents treated for smoke inhalation

Two men have admitted arson with intent to endanger life following a fire which destroyed a house.

Five properties were affected by the blaze which broke out in Ferndale, Rhondda Cynon Taf, in the early hours of 28 July.

Auryn Guster, 19, and Alfie Wheeler, 18 from Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, admitted the charges at a hearing at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Wednesday.

Mr Wheeler also admitted possession of a machete and both men will be sentenced at a later date.

Addressing the pair, Judge Simon Mills said: "Obviously this is a serious case and you must understand it will inevitably attract an immediate prison sentence but I am going to order, in your cases, the immediate preparation of a pre-sentence report.

"That won't be able to begin yet because the full shape of this case isn't yet clear. I can't yet tell you when you'll be sentenced unfortunately."

The house in Protheroe Street, belonging to Carol Ford, was badly damaged, while the other nearby homes were evacuated and a rest centre was opened for residents.

Three other people - Lewis Manito, 32, Connor Pitt, 23 and Storm Truman, 19 - also from Weston-super-Mare are also charged with arson with intent to endanger life but did not enter pleas and will appear in court again on 4 September.

All five remain in custody.