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A fourth person has now been arrested after a kennel in Rhymney was deliberately set on fire and eight dogs were killed, police have confirmed. 

Emergency services were called to the fire in Brynhyfryd in the early hours of Sunday, July 17. 

Seven dogs, of various breeds, were burned to death in the blaze after having petrol poured on them. A further dog died later.

Part of Gwent Police’s statement issued on Wednesday July 20 said: “We’ve arrested two people – a 25-year-old man from the Rhymney area and a 17-year-old boy from the Tredegar area on suspicion of criminal damage by arson.”

The man was released on conditional bail while the boy remains in police custody.

Gwent Police have since released another statement, that says another two individuals have been arrested in connection to the arson. 

The statement read: “Since the last update, there have been two more arrests in connection with the fire at a private address in Brynhyfryd, Rhymney, at around 2.10am on Sunday 17 July. 

“A 20 year-old man from the Pontlottyn area and a 29-year-old man from the Rhymney area have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage by arson.

“The 20-year-old man has been released on bail as our investigation continues, the 29-year-old remains in police custody.”

People with information can call Gwent Police on 101 or message on social media, quoting log reference 2200238648.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.