Butcher's son pays tribute to father

It took 15 hours for firefighters, ambulance workers and police to rescue Michael Williams from a flat above his butcher's shop in Tredegar Street, Risca, on Monday after he became ill.

Mr Williams suffered breathing problems and was pronounced dead at the Royal Gwent Hospital at 8.30pm on Monday night.

The cause of his death is not yet known. He leaves a wife, Pat, and two adult children.

The 56-year-old's customers have already sent messages of condolence to the family, and his business, M Williams and Sons family butchers, will remain closed for the rest of the week.

His son Paul, 31, of Afon Village, Rogerstone, said: "He always wanted his own business and it was a dream of his to open a butchers.

"It has now been open for nearly 20 years and he could not do enough for his customers. He was very well known and was always friendly, bubbly and having a laugh."

Police sealed off part of Tredegar Street during the rescue operation.

Contractors were called in to build a scaffolding structure and ramp to lower Mr Williams from the building, and a window was removed.

His son, who watched the drama unfold, said: "Because access up the stairs was too narrow for a stretcher they decided to take the front window of the flat out. The fire brigade then tried to get a lift up to get him out but this was unsuccessful and at 2.30am structural engineers were called to see whether any bricks could be taken out.

"Scaffolding was eventually put up and he was brought down on a ramp.

"I would like to thank the emergency services for doing a fantastic job."

Mr Williams was born in Newbridge. He attended what was then Newbridge Grammar School before starting work at International Superstore in Cwmbran.

Mr and Mrs Williams have two children, Richard, 32, who will now take over the family business, and Paul, 31.

The couple enjoyed holidaying in Spain, where they owned a villa near Malaga. Mr Williams was also fond of boxing.

No date for his funeral has been confirmed.