Two deny Ferndale arson after fire destroys house

Two men have denied starting a fire that destroyed a house in the summer.

Five properties were affected by the blaze which broke out in Ferndale, Rhondda Cynon Taf, in the early hours of 28 July.

At Cardiff Crown Court, Lewis Manito, 32, from Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, pleaded not guilty to arson with intent to endanger life, arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered and perverting the course of justice by disposing of a car.

Connor Pitt, 23, of Weston-super-Mare pleaded not guilty to arson with intent to endanger life.

Auryn Guster, 19, and Alfie Wheeler, 18 also from Weston-super-Mare, previously admitted the charge of arson with intent to endanger life.

Wheeler also admitted possession of a machete and both men will be sentenced at a later date.

The house in Protheroe Street was badly damaged, while adjacent homes were evacuated, and a rest centre was opened for residents.

Another defendant, Storm Truman, 19 , also from Weston-super-Mare, is charged with arson with intent to endanger life and will appear at Cardiff Crown Court on 25 September.

A trial date has been set for 26 January.