A RESIDENTIAL property damaged by a fire that ripped through it in the early hours following an explosion is set to be demolished.

Specialist contractors have been at the address, located at Lion Lane in Builth Wells, ever since the incident, which occurred just after midnight on Sunday, October 3 – and have deemed that the building needs to be safely demolished. A 24-hour police presence remains at the scene.

Dyfed Powys Police have today released an update, revealing that an assessment of the property showed the building was structurally unsafe, meaning it will need to be safely pulled down.

A force spokesperson said: “Due to concerns over the safety of a structure following a fire at Lion Lane, Builth Wells, earlier this month, a cordon will remain in place for a number of weeks to allow specialist contractors to safely demolish the building.

“The cordon remains in place following the fire in the early hours of Sunday, October 3. It is not blocking the traffic flow on the main road (A483) but there is limited access to Lion Lane.

“An assessment of the property showed the building was structurally unsafe meaning it would need to be safely pulled down.”

The fire quickly spread and caused damage to a neighbouring home too. One local resident who raised the alarm said: “I woke up to a noise around midnight and looked out the window and saw the downstairs ablaze and immediately called 999.”

A 66-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson following the blaze. A Dyfed Powys Police spokesperson said enquiries are ongoing, but they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the fire.

An initial statement released in the week after the blaze said an assessment of the property suggested the building had been left currently structurally unsafe and work continued to be carried out to make it safe.

Police and fire officers are carrying out a joint investigation to establish the cause of the fire.

Anyone with dashcam or mobile phone footage, as well as images or information that could help officers with their investigation, is asked to report it to Dyfed Powys Police, either online at https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk, or by calling 101. Quote reference: DP-20211003-003.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.