Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Parents of ‘beautiful’ five year-old girl killed in house fire are in ‘unimaginable pain’

Fire broke out at property in the Pontyglasier area of Pembrokeshire on Saturday night

Helen William
Sunday 28 May 2023 23:05 BST
Alysia Salisbury was described as ‘a beautiful daughter and sister’
Alysia Salisbury was described as ‘a beautiful daughter and sister’ (Dyfed Powys police)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The parents of a five-year-old girl who died after a house fire in Pembrokeshire are in “unimaginable pain” after her loss.

Alysia Salisbury was described as “a beautiful daughter and sister” in a brief tribute from her family released through Dyfed Powys Police.

The force said it attended a property in the Pontyglasier area, near Crymych, just before 10pm on Saturday, but despite the efforts of the emergency services Alysia died at the scene.

John Davies, a neighbour of the family and Pembrokeshire councillor said he tried to console the family in the early hours after the blaze.

“As a community, our hearts go out this local family,” he told The Sun.

“I have spoken to the parents and they are going through unimaginable pain right now and they will be for a long time to come.

“The family moved here around four years ago and although they are very private people, they have become part of our community.

“They had all been inside the house when the fire started. It is an unbelievable tragedy.”

County councillor Shon Rees said the community’s thoughts were for the family during “this awful and tragic time.”

He said: “This family has lost absolutely everything, including a young child, and we as a community are doing everything we possibly can to support them.

“People are already rallying round with clothing and food and I know that this is going to continue in the days, weeks and months that lie ahead.”

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the Welsh Ambulance Service and the Welsh Air Ambulance also attended, police said.

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams said: “Our thoughts are with the family and the local community at this tragic time.”

“HM Coroner has been informed and officers will now work with colleagues from the fire service to establish the cause of the fire,” the DCI continued. “The family request privacy at this difficult time.”

Fire crews from Crymych, Cardigan, Newcastle Emlyn, Whitland and Fishguard attended the scene, with specialist kit including a turntable ladder from Haverfordwest and a water bowser from Milford Haven, along with the Urban Search and Rescue Team.

A police drone was also used. Alysia’s family are now being supported by specialist officers.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in