Teens arrested over Carmarthen former workhouse fire

Two teenagers have been arrested after a fire gutted a 19th Century workhouse.

More than 20 firefighters tackled the blaze at Penlan workhouse in Brewery Road, Carmarthen, after being called at about 17:00 GMT on Friday.

Nobody was hurt in the fire which is being treated as suspicious by Dyfed-Powys Police.

The arrested boys, aged 14 and 15, have been released while inquiries continue. Police have not given any further details relating to the arrests.

• Workhouse fire 'alarms' residents

• Call to save old workhouse

The premises were built in the 1830s and it was stormed during the Rebecca Riot, a protest against unfair taxes, in 1843.

It was used as a workhouse until 1917 and last year there were calls to save the building from "rack and ruin" as its condition deteriorated.

Councillor Alun Lenny said the building had a "unique place in Welsh history".

The cause of the blaze is being investigated by police