THE investigation into the fatal Llangammarch Wells farmhouse fire that claimed six lives has cost more than £560,000.

The figure, which is expected to rise, has been revealed in a report prepared by the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn.

The October 30 fire claimed the lives of father David Cuthberstson, who was 68, as well as those of sons Just Raine, 11, Reef Raine, 10, and Patch Raine, who was six, and their nine-year-old sister Misty Raine. A sixth body that was recovered has yet to be identified.

As part of their investigation police have began dismantling the house, which was gutted by the fire, “brick by brick” to preserve the evidence.

In a report, into the Dyfed-Powys Police precept and budget for the coming financial year Mr Llywelyn, said: “The force has had to deal with a significant and complex fire investigation at a remote property near Llangammarch Wells. Costs of £560k have already been committed to date in relation to this operation.

“The operation is ongoing and therefore the final cost that is likely to rise further before the end of the 2017/18 financial year.”

Mr Llywelyn said the fire was one of two “unforeseeable” events to have taken place during the current financial year, the other was a non-consolidated pay award for police officers. It is intended to fund the two unexpected costs by using reserves.

The Plaid Cymru politician intends to raise the policing precept, the amount added to council tax bills, by 5.25% this year. That will see the owner of an average band D property having to pay £224.56 this year, which is an increase of £10.63 on last year. The precept for 2017/18 was increased by 6.9% which meant a band D property owner in Dyfed-Powys had to pay £213.87 on top of the council tax bill for policing.

Funding for the police is from a Home Office grant and the local tax contribution. The additional 1% non-consolidated pay award, which has applied since September, has cost the force an additional £320,000 for the current financial year. Negotiations with police staff are ongoing and if they are also awarded the same pay rise it will cost the force around £120,000.

The Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Panel, which is made up of councillors from across the force area, will consider Mr Llywelyn’s precept at their meeting at Ceredigion council offices in Aberaeron on Friday (January 26).