BBC star and wife rushed to hospital after horror house fire left them 'traumatised'

A veteran BBC reporter and his wife were rushed to hospital with burns when their home was destroyed by a devastating house fire.

Retired newsman Nick Palit, 60, said he and wife Angela managed to escape the blast only to then watch in horror from their garden as their three storey home was destroyed by the flames.

The pair have been "traumatised" by the blaze at their waterside home. Mr Palit - who worked as a reporter and presenter for BBC Wales for many years - did not disclose cause of the blaze in Penarth Marina.

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Writing on Facebook Nick said: "Thanks to all our friends, family and neighbours who've been such a great support over the last week since fire gutted our house. Ange had a burn to the left side of her face and backs of her hands - and my left arm was caught.

"We've both been receiving outpatient treatment at Morriston Hospital specialist burns unit, who are fantastic. They're confident Angela won't be left with any permanent scar, but we've both been traumatised by the speed at which the fire took hold.

"The house is gutted internally, and the insurance company estimate at least a six month rebuild. In the meantime we're renting virtually next door. We've been overwhelmed and humbled by the kindness, care and love of family, friends and neighbours - Thanks to all of you we will get through this."

In a cruel blow, father-of-two Mr Palit said that while he and his wife were receiving treatment at hospital four e-bikes were stolen from outside their home.

Taking to Instagram he wrote: " Wonder if anyone can help. We’ve had 4 e-bikes that were chained together- stolen from outside our house in the marina. Two black men’s e-bikes (one VanMoof) (one Harley serial 1) and two folding e-bikes (one yellow Mycle and one white Panlova tandem).see pictures below.

"We’d just had a house fire last week so our house was gutted and security cameras were not working. The bikes were there at lunchtime today (Tuesday) but when we returned from Morriston Hospital at 7 they were gone. Has anyone seen them, or seen them for sale."