This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/wales/6939263.stm

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Looters strike at fire-hit homes Looters strike at fire-hit homes
(29 minutes later)
Families returning to fire-hit houses in Newport have said it is sickening to find looters have struck at the homes.Families returning to fire-hit houses in Newport have said it is sickening to find looters have struck at the homes.
Police confirmed two properties on Marlborough Road in Maindee were looted some time between the area's evacuation on Tuesday and Thursday afternoon.Police confirmed two properties on Marlborough Road in Maindee were looted some time between the area's evacuation on Tuesday and Thursday afternoon.
Resident Katie Cook said her wallet, jewellery box and other valuables had been taken from her house.Resident Katie Cook said her wallet, jewellery box and other valuables had been taken from her house.
Six homes were demolished after the blaze spread from a joinery workshop, and another is to be knocked down.Six homes were demolished after the blaze spread from a joinery workshop, and another is to be knocked down.
On Thursday, five remaining homes were inspected by structural engineers and owners were subsequently told that their homes could be saved from demolition.On Thursday, five remaining homes were inspected by structural engineers and owners were subsequently told that their homes could be saved from demolition.
It was when residents were given permission to go back into their properties to gather some possessions that they noticed items were missing.It was when residents were given permission to go back into their properties to gather some possessions that they noticed items were missing.
We are not going to let the actions of a small minority spoil this for us Mayor of Newport Allan MorrisWe are not going to let the actions of a small minority spoil this for us Mayor of Newport Allan Morris
Ms Cook said: "Some of my things had been stolen, my wallet, my camera, my jewellery box.Ms Cook said: "Some of my things had been stolen, my wallet, my camera, my jewellery box.
"The community spirit has been so good since the fire, then for people to pounce on somebody else's devastation is an awful thing to do."The community spirit has been so good since the fire, then for people to pounce on somebody else's devastation is an awful thing to do.
"There was police presence, but the back of the property was open, they must have got in that way."There was police presence, but the back of the property was open, they must have got in that way.
"Just to believe that humans can do that when people have gone through things like this is awful - I think it is despicable really.""Just to believe that humans can do that when people have gone through things like this is awful - I think it is despicable really."
Ms Cook said she was now wondering about whether her house would need to be demolished in the future.Ms Cook said she was now wondering about whether her house would need to be demolished in the future.
"The council believe it can be saved, but that depends on the structural damage and on my neighbours houses and how structurally sound they are," she said."The council believe it can be saved, but that depends on the structural damage and on my neighbours houses and how structurally sound they are," she said.
She added the events of the last week had not fully sunk in yet, although she was determined to stay in her house if she could.She added the events of the last week had not fully sunk in yet, although she was determined to stay in her house if she could.
Gwent Police said families were "sickened" the looting had occurred and that forensic teams would be gathering evidence in a bid to catch those responsible.Gwent Police said families were "sickened" the looting had occurred and that forensic teams would be gathering evidence in a bid to catch those responsible.
Chief Superintendent Kevin Price said: "The majority of people have pulled together but there are those who will feed off the misery and further victimise those who are at their most vulnerable.Chief Superintendent Kevin Price said: "The majority of people have pulled together but there are those who will feed off the misery and further victimise those who are at their most vulnerable.
Six houses in the street have already had to be demolishedSix houses in the street have already had to be demolished
"Over the last 48 hours, we have seen the best of society and it's been really heart-warming, but to hear the news that two properties had been entered and property stolen, well, it's just so disappointing. ""Over the last 48 hours, we have seen the best of society and it's been really heart-warming, but to hear the news that two properties had been entered and property stolen, well, it's just so disappointing. "
And Mayor of Newport Allan Morris told any "vultures" to stay away.And Mayor of Newport Allan Morris told any "vultures" to stay away.
"We are not going to let the actions of a small minority spoil this for us - we are rebuilding a community," he said."We are not going to let the actions of a small minority spoil this for us - we are rebuilding a community," he said.
Mr Morris, who was a firefighter for 28 years, added he was amazed that a fire on this scale had not caused any injury or death.Mr Morris, who was a firefighter for 28 years, added he was amazed that a fire on this scale had not caused any injury or death.
Rubble from the demolished houses is being taken away and housing officers and social services staff have been speaking to people and assessing their housing needs on an individual basis.Rubble from the demolished houses is being taken away and housing officers and social services staff have been speaking to people and assessing their housing needs on an individual basis.
Meanwhile, Amanda Dyas, whose house was demolished after the fire, is carrying out a leaflet drop to try and find two cats Max, who is black with some tufts of white on his chest, and Merlin, who is black with a white vest.Meanwhile, Amanda Dyas, whose house was demolished after the fire, is carrying out a leaflet drop to try and find two cats Max, who is black with some tufts of white on his chest, and Merlin, who is black with a white vest.
On Wednesday, briefings were held at Newport Leisure Centre where a team of people from the council and emergency services updated residents.
Gwent Police said that the area had been made safe and the electricity supply had been restored, but the gas would remain cut off until Thursday.