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South Wales Fire and Rescue Service was called after a fire broke out at a flat on Newport Road on Thursday morning.

A caretaker from Bedwas Workmen’s Hall raised the alarm and banged on neighbouring flat doors after spotting the smoke.

In a statement, a fire service spokesperson said: “At approximately 10.23am on Thursday, September 15, we received reports of a domestic fire in Bedwas.

“Multiple crews attended the scene and used specialist equipment to extinguish the fire.

“The incident concluded at approximately 11.39am. A fire investigation is now underway to determine the cause of the fire.”

Speaking about the fire, Andrea Soulsby, a caretaker at the 99-year-old venue, said: “The hall was open that morning as a film crew had been doing some work.

“The crew and myself spotted some smoke coming from the middle flat of a block just next to the hall.

“We immediately called the fire brigade and went over to rouse the other residents. The fire risk with flats is obviously higher than normal. We were pressing every buzzer and banging doors and windows.”

Andrea said that three fire engines and two police cars were in attendance, but thankfully no ambulance was needed.

Andrea continued: “Some of the residents were quite distressed so we offered them a space at the hall while the investigation was onoging.

“We’re a community building space and here to help all people. There were six people who took refuge with us, some bringing their pets.”