GWENT Police have praised the attitude of neighbours who "valiantly and bravely" tried to save the family killed in a Cwmbran house fire.

Chief inspector Steve Corcoran, local policing inspector for Torfaen, personally thanked members of the community who had tried to rescue 46-year-old Kim Buckley, her 17-year-old daughter Kayleigh Buckley and her six-month-old daughter Kimberley from their home at Tillsland, Coed Eva.

This included two men who were using a ladder to try and gain entry into the house as the fire service arrived at 3.30am.

Chief inspector Corcoran said he knew from past experience the area is a close community.

He said: "This has never been more echoed than just after the fire service arrived. Neighbours were trying valiantly and bravely to try and save the lives of the Buckley family.

"I’d personally like to thank them for their support."

He also passed on his sympathies and thoughts to the family and residents.

Area manager for South Wales Fire and Rescue Dewi Rose said 30 firefighters attended a "well developed fire".

He said: "We worked extremely hard to extinguish the fire and save the people inside."

A 27-year-old man from the Manchester area is currently being held at Ystrad Mynach Police Station on suspicion of murder.