Three children are being treated in hospital after a house fire in Llangammarch Wells in which a number of people are thought to have died.
The children, aged 10, 12 and 13, managed to flee the blaze which broke out just after midnight today (Monday, October 30). Their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
However, Dyfed-Powys police said other people are unaccounted for and fatalities are known to be involved.
A statement released by Dyfed-Powys Police this afternoon said: "Just after midnight this morning Dyfed Powys Police were notified by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service that there was a house fire at a remote property at Llangammarch Wells, Powys.
"Upon arrival the house was ablaze and three children aged 13, 12 and 10 years, were able to escape. They are being treated in hospital but do not have life threatening injuries.
"However, there are a number of people unaccounted for at this time and we can confirm that there are known to be fatalities.
"Due to the severity of damage at the scene we are unable at this stage to identify any of the deceased or confirm numbers.
"Specialist scientists and fire investigators are still assessing the scene prior to further investigation. At this time we are treating the cause of the fire as unexplained.
"Further details will be made available when they are confirmed."
A media conference is due to held this afternoon at Llandrindod Wells Police station, where Chief Inspector Martin Slevin and a representative from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service will read out a statement to the press. Chief Inspector Slevin will not be taking questions."Reacting to the news, Community councillor Jon Hather sighed and said: "It's a dreadful shock for this small community and our thoughts go out to the family."Brecon and Radnorshire AM Kirsty Williams said: "This is devastating news in such a close-knit community."I'd like to express my deepest sympathies to those affected and thank the emergency services for their assistance."