A man has died and another has been badly injured after a reported robbery and hostage-taking at a driving school in which the building was set alight.
A man has died and another has been badly injured after a robbery and hostage-taking at a driving agency in which the building was set alight.
Gwent Police were called to an industrial estate at New Inn, Pontypool, at 1325 BST.
Gwent Police were called to Driverline 247, a recruitment agency for commercial drivers, on an industrial estate at New Inn, Pontypool.
They said one man was dead at the scene and another was taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital with head injuries.
They said one man was dead at the scene and another was taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital with head injuries.
The Welsh Ambulance Service said two other males suffered smoke inhalation and were also taken to hospital.
Two other males had smoke inhalation and were also taken to hospital.
The ambulance service said it sent five vehicles to the scene, two rapid response vehicles, two ambulances and one senior advanced paramedic in their own car.
The ambulance service said it sent five vehicles to the scene, two rapid response vehicles, two ambulances and one senior advanced paramedic in their own car.
They are still at the scene. They were called at around 1340 BST.
They are still at the scene. They were called at around 1340 BST.
A police helicopter was reported over the scene, South Pontypool Industrial Park and Torfaen Business Centre, for a time.
A police helicopter was reported over the scene, South Pontypool Industrial Park and Torfaen Business Centre, for a time.
In a statement, Gwent Police said: "At approximately 1.25pm this afternoon, Gwent Police received a report of an incident at an industrial estate at New Road, New Inn, Pontypool.
In a statement, Gwent Police said: "At approximately 1.25pm this afternoon, Gwent Police received a report of an incident at an industrial estate at New Road, New Inn, Pontypool.
"Gwent Police attended the location and found one person fatally injured, one seriously injured and two others with injuries.
"Gwent Police attended the location and found one person fatally injured, one seriously injured and two others with injuries.
"The three injured have since been taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital for treatment."
"The three injured have since been taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital for treatment."
New Inn is a village on the outskirts of Pontypool and about eight miles from Newport.
New Inn is a village on the outskirts of Pontypool and about eight miles from Newport.
Driverline's website says the company began trading in November 2000, "and unlike other agencies, we do not close, and therefore can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year".
The website says it supplies "all types of drivers" and clients include companies "ranging from home delivery, waste recycling, dairies, bakeries, frozen food distribution, parts for motor car manufacture and building materials".
It adds: "Driverline 247 will not compromise on quality, this ensures total peace and mind for our clients, as their reputation is largely dependent on the people working for them, so taking chances cannot be an option, so therefore all our temps are fully vetted to ensure they meet our exacting standards.
"Due to such rigorous checks, approximately 60% of people interviewed fail to meet the expected standards."
Are you a witness to this incident? Do you have images you can send to us? Are you in the area and have you witnessed any activity?
Are you a witness to this incident? Do you have images you can send to us? Are you in the area and have you witnessed any activity?
