Treforest fire: Barber overwhelmed by support after blast

A barber whose shop and tools were destroyed in a deadly blaze has been "overwhelmed by the kindness and support" of the local community, he said.

One person was found dead following an explosion and fire on Treforest Industrial Estate in Rhondda Cynon Taf on Wednesday night.

At least one building was destroyed and a major incident was declared.

Barber Andrew Cox posted on Facebook that his business was unsalvageable.

"Firstly myself and my family would like to send condolences to everyone who knew the lady who horrifically lost her life last night in the explosion," he said.

"Words cannot describe how sorry we are, and we send our thoughts to her family."

Mr Cox said he had had "hope of my barber shop or my barbering tools etc being somewhat salvageable", but "the whole room has gone including everything in it".

He added that after being inundated with messages of support, he was grateful to "local barbers and hairdressers in the area who have offered a chair for me to work from".

Mindset Gym was another business affected by the blaze.

It posted on Facebook: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the lady's family and community after such a tragic accident.

"Mindset has a very strong veteran community and one thing we do really well at Mindset is make sure that those who pay the ultimate sacrifice are never forgotten and are always remembered.

"Mindset will do everything to show support to the lady's family and keep her legacy alive."

A major incident was declared as firefighters worked to tackle the two-storey building blaze.

One crew remains at the scene on Friday as the fire service works on three hotspots.

Floral tributes were left at the site on Friday, and one, from Eventclean, reads: "We are so sad to find out."

Police have appealed for anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage to contact them.

Pontypridd MP Alex Davies-Jones reiterated her call to prevent the sharing of distressing images and speculation on social media.

"This week has been incredibly challenging for our community, but we all have a role to play in looking after each other during this very difficult time," she said.

"I kindly ask residents to be considerate to the victims of the terrible tragedies residents have endured this week, and avoid speculating on ongoing investigations out of respect for the families and loved ones who are grieving.

"Social media can be a difficult place sometimes - remember it's okay to take a break if it's affecting your wellbeing."