Four youths arrested after fire destroys workingmen’s club
A FIRE which destroyed Tylorstown workingmen’s club saw residents evacuated from their homes in the middle of the night.
The former club had been abandoned for several years before it caught alight on Thursday at about 5pm. An investigation into the cause of the fire is under way.
Yesterday firefighters remained at the scene to secure the historic Rhondda building after there were reports it could collapse. The extent of the damage is significant.
Residents said they could see plumes of black smoke that quickly turned into large flames. Eight houses directly behind the former club were evacuated and Tylorstown Primary School was shut
yesterday.
Four youths have been arrested on suspicion of committing arson, and police are appealing for information and urging people to check dashcam footage between 4pm and 5.15pm. Anybody with information is urged to make contact using reference *097681.
Local policing inspector Mark Saunders said yesterday: “The fire has caused extensive damage to an important community asset.
“We believe it was caused deliberately and have launched an investigation – four arrests were made this afternoon.
“I’d like to thank the local community, who have experienced significant disruption, for their patience and understanding.
“We are working closely with South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and the local authority. Everything is being done to ensure the area is safe so that roads can be reopened and residents who have been displaced can return to their homes as soon as possible.”