RESIDENTS had to flee for safety after a house owned by a well-known singer and guitarist with an Aberystwyth rock band was engulfed in flames on Saturday morning.

Firefighters rushed to Sea View Place, off South Road, at around 8am, after a large fire broke out in the attic room, blowing glass windows onto the pavement below.

The house is occupied by six students. One who was living in the attic was taken to Bronglais Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.

The property is owned by Matthew Sims, who lives in Pontrhydygroes and is a member of the well-known Aberystwyth band, The Smokin’ Guns. Mr Sims suspects the fire was started by a candle but fire chiefs say they are still investigating.

Mr Sims said he was relieved nobody was injured and added: “It has been a big shock.

“Thank God everyone is okay. I have not slept over the weekend.”

For more coverage of Saturday’s house fire in Aberystwyth, see this week’s Cambrian News, on sale today