A FOUR-year-old boy has died after being pulled from a burning house in Alltwen overnight.

The boy have been named locally as Jac Davies.

The youngster was carried from the property at Lon Tanyrallt by firefighters at 1.40am along with his three-year-old brother, but was pronounced dead at the scene.

The boys’ mother and six-year-old sister escaped the blaze.

Emergency crews, currently investigating the cause of the fire, have described how friends and neighbours had tried to save the family from the burning property.

Detective Chief Inspector Esyr Jones, of Swansea and Neath Port Talbot CID, said: “We are continuing to jointly investigate the fire which happened during the early hours of this morning.

“A number of local people were involved in the rescue of the family but tragically a four-year-old boy died at the scene.

"A scene examination is taking place by police and fire investigators to establish the cause which at this stage is not known.

"I would like any witnesses or anyone involved at the scene who have not yet spoken to police to come forward with any information they may have.”

"When we got there, the mother and six-year-old daughter were out of the property and two young children were still inside.

"Crews went in with breathing apparatus and rescued the children - a three-year-old boy and four-year-old boy.

"Unfortunately the four-year-old did not make it.

"It was a fully developed fire and it was quite hot and challenging. It was a very confusing scene - when the crews got there were other guys, neighbours, trying to get in to the property to effect a rescue.

The reality of the situation was crews concentrated on search and rescue and I’m very proud of the bravery and professionalism of the firefighters.”

Mid and West Fire and Rescue Service Senior operations officer, Chris Margetts said: "The thoughts of the fire service are with the family and the community of Alltwen at this time."