Five teenagers charged with arson after Rheola House fire

Five teenagers have been charged with arson following a fire that destroyed Rheola House, a Grade II* listed manor in the Neath Valley. The historic building, believed to be designed by architect John Nash, was gutted by the blaze on Tuesday.

According to South Wales Police, the defendants appeared at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on Thursday. The charges include arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered. One 18-year-old defendant also faces a charge for possession of a knife blade in a public place. The group includes individuals aged 17 to 19 from the Neath Port Talbot and Swansea areas.