UPDATE: 1.46pm
Mon May 30

This shot of the fire taken by a drone was sent in by Warren Peace Pitt Aerial Photography.

UPDATE: 4.09pm
Fri May 27

Councillor Roger Jeavons, Newport City Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services, Work and Skills and Lliswerry ward member, said: “I am devastated at the destruction of this building in the heart of a residential area and so close to a primary school.

“There was a break-in at the centre last week but out of hours staff ensured it was secured immediately afterwards.

“If this is deliberate, it is thoughtless and selfish as they have destroyed something for no good reason and could have put lives in danger.

“I’ve been extremely concerned about antisocial behaviour in the Lliswerry area and will be calling on the new Police and Crime Commissioner to address this serious issue.

“Although the community centre was closed in 2014, the council was still considering possible future uses of the building which could have benefited the community. We will continue to consider what can be done on the site despite the fire.

“Our property managers Norse have been at the site today to ensure that it is made safe and secure.”

Council leader Councillor Debbie Wilcox added: “We take this very seriously and understand our duties and responsibilities to make the site safe and secure. However, it is a sad indictment that such wanton vandalism occurs in our communities and affects us all.”

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UPDATE: 11.53am

John Seer took this picture of the fire at the Mary Dunn club in Lliswerry last night.

South Wales Argus:

UPDATE: 7.56am

At the height of the fire 15 999 calls were recieved and crews spent two hours tackling the blaze with an aerial ladder and hoses.

UPDATE: 7.02am

South Wales Argus:

UPDATE: 7.00am

Five crews attended the fire and a Maindee crew used an aerial ladder to tackle the blaze.

A South Wales Fire and Rescue spokeswoman stated the fire was deliberately started and the site will be reinspected this morning.

UPDATE: 6.40am 

FIREFIGHTERS tackled a blaze at a former Newport community centre last night.

Crews from Newport, Maindee, Malpas and Duffryn were called at 11.32pm to the blaze at The Mary Dunn Club, Jenkins Street, Lliswerry.