The house in South Wales where a young mother and her two children were killed in an arson attack five years ago will be finally demolished.

Merthyr Council is already removing personal belongings of the family which have remained untouched in the house since the fire.

Diane Jones, 21, and her daughters Shauna, two, and 13-month-old Sarah Jane were killed when petrol was poured through the front door of their home in October 1995.

The house on the Gurnos estate in Merthyr Tydfil has been at the centre of a row ever since.

It was left untouched during the lengthy trial of three women accused of murdering the family.

Two were convicted of arson with intent but later freed on appeal and their convictions quoshed. A third served a sentence for perverting the course of justice.

Local people wanted the house demolished but it was kept intact during the trial and appeal hearings.

Later demolition plans were put on hold again for police to carry out new forensic tests.

It followed pressure from Donna Clarke and Annette Hewins who were jailed for the arson attack and later freed.

They threatened to chain themselves to the property if police did not re-investigate.

Council workers are also having to remove asbestos which was used in the construction of the Gurnos estate in Merthyr Tydfil.

Demolition work is likely to start on Wednesday.