THE Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) today promised "a thorough investigation scrutinising police contact and actions" with the members of a Cwmbran family killed in a fire on Tuesday. 

Following the fire in Cwmbran in which three members of the same generation died, the case was handed to the IPCC as the family had been in contact with the police prior to the blaze.

IPCC Commissioner Tom Davies said: "This matter was referred to the IPCC on Thursday, 20 September, and given the severity of the incident we have determined an independent investigation should examine the circumstances surrounding Gwent Police’s contact with this family.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are extended to the surviving family and friends of those who have tragically died.

"Our enquiry, which is in the very early stages, will be a thorough investigation scrutinising police contact and actions prior to the events on Tuesday morning.”

The IPCC hopes to release further detail regarding the independent investigation in due course.