THE parents of Newport teenager Richard Hawrot, who died in a fire last week, are thanking people for the support they have given them since the tragedy.

Speaking through close family friend Mike Coombes, Richard's parents thanked family and friends, as well as strangers, for their expressions of condolence and support. Mr Coombes said: "They want to especially mention and thank Richard's friends, who have been very supportive, and hope that they know that Richard loved them, and the family care for them greatly.

"They wish that their thoughts and prayers be given to Toby and his family and they are praying for his recovery. He was a very special friend to Richard."

Richard, 13, had been visiting his best friend, Toby Mills, in Jones Street, Newport, when a fire broke out in a courtyard at the rear of the house on Friday night.

Toby, who escaped by crawling through a gap into an adjoining house before being lifted to safety by neighbours, was seriously injured in the blaze.

He is recovering at the specialist burns unit at Swansea's Morriston Hospital.