A FORMER teacher of tragic Cwmbran teen Kay-Leigh Buckley’s paid tribute to the Coed Eva woman today.

Helen Coulson, deputy head teacher of Fairwater High School in Cwmbran, said: "Kay-Leigh was a pupil here, and we all knew her. She left the school a year ago, but she would have been in year 13 had she stayed on.

"That year group have always been very close, and a lot of the sixth form knew her well.

"Everybody is very upset, there’s a very quiet atmosphere around the school today.

"Some of the pupils are very upset. We have a counsellor on site at the moment to talk to the pupils, and I know a few have already had a chat with them.

"It really is absolutely tragic, I think people are shocked. It’s a tragedy as we knew Kay-Leigh, but obviously its three generations who have died, and a lot of the staff here knew the whole family, and have known them for years. It’s tragic."

Torfaen AM, Lynne Neagle said: "I'm totally shocked by this tragedy, which has seen three innocent lives lost in terrible circumstances: my thoughts are with their families. Coed Eva is a incredibly tight-knit community and I know that local people will be deeply affected and saddened.

Local MP, Paul Murphy said: "My heart goes out to the family and friends of those killed in this awful fire, and I'd like to offer them my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. I'd appeal for anyone who can help the police with their investigation to come forward."