A CWMBRAN woman says she is left with nothing after a suspected arson attack destroyed more than £12,000- worth of her belongings, including all her Christmas presents.

Susan Belcher, 40, was staying at a friend’s when the fire broke out at her house in Greenmeadow Way at around 3.20am on Saturday, destroying the whole house.

Ms Belcher, who has a six-yearold son, Tom, says they now only have the clothes they are standing up in, as she was not insured.

Ms Belcher’s son was staying with relatives at the time. All of his clothes and toys were lost, as well as his Christmas presents.

The first Ms Belcher knewof the blaze was when she charged her phone up in her car before heading home. She received a call from her brother, Gareth Newman, telling her what had happened on Saturday afternoon. When she arrived home she discovered all her belongings were damaged and her toy Poodle Lily and parrot Sidney had been killed.

Her Chihuahua-cross Yorkshire Terrier dog Scooby and tabby cat Womble survived the ordeal.

Scooby is being treated at the PDSA in Cardiff. Ms Belcher said: “Tom’s Christmas has been destroyed and he’s traumatised.

“I am in pieces. It’s like I’m in a bubble. I feel numb.

“If we were in the house we would be dead.”

Ms Belcher said police told her some kind of accelerant was used to start the fire.

A South Wales Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said the investigation into the cause of the fire had closed but was unable to confirm what the cause was as the Argus went to press.

A 41-year-old Newport man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Ms Belcher thanked her family, friends and the local community who have rallied round and supported her.

This includes clothes being given to them by family and the Salvation Army donating a food parcel.

Friends are also contacting local organisations to try and get donations.

She said Bron Afon have also offered her temporary accommodation.

Anybody with information is asked to contact Gwent Police on 101.