Blaze destroys former Welsh nightclub

A former nightclub in Wales has been destroyed after fire tore through the building on Monday afternoon (28th November).

Fire crews were called to the Top Hat Club in Cwmtillery, Blaenau Gwent, at around 2pm after smoke was seen billowing from the building. Firefighters were due to remain on the scene last night.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, with South Wales Fire and Rescue and Gwent Police set to launch a joint investigation into the blaze.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, a 'suitable and sufficient' fire risk assessment must be conducted on all commercial properties in England and Wales.

If the fire risk assessment is deemed to be carried out to an insufficient extent, the Responsible Person can face an unlimited fine or a prison sentence of up (to) two years.

The club has a famous history, as legendary singer Tom Jones was first spotted there by manager Gordon Mills in the 1960s.