Detectives say it was “pure good fortune” the victim did not suffer even more serious injuries during the classroom attack

POLICE have praised the bravery of a teacher who was attacked with a knife at Milford Haven Comprehensive School, saying the emotional impact of the incident “cannot be underestimated”.

A 16-year-old boy was convicted at Swansea Crown Court of wounding with intent and unlawful wounding following the attack on Thursday, February 5.

The jury cleared him of attempted murder. He had previously pleaded guilty to possessing a knife.

The teenager, who cannot be identified because of his age, was 15 when the incident took place.

At approximately 3.20pm, he approached the teacher and asked for assistance with schoolwork before following her into a classroom.

He then attacked her while armed with a knife.

The teacher managed to disarm the pupil despite sustaining injuries which required hospital treatment. She later recovered from her physical injuries.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers and other emergency services swiftly attended the school, where pupils and staff were safeguarded and a lockdown was put in place.

The teenager was traced and arrested shortly afterwards. He was charged on February 7 and remanded in custody ahead of his trial.

Following the verdicts, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Sarah Totterdale commended the victim for attending court and giving evidence about the attack.

She said: “Firstly, I would like to commend the bravery shown by the victim in this case.

“What happened to her on February 5 must have been a truly terrifying ordeal, so to have to attend court and relive that experience has taken exceptional courage.

“It is thanks to pure good fortune that she did not sustain even worse injuries, but the emotional impact cannot be underestimated.

“We would like to thank her for her assistance throughout this investigation.”

DI Totterdale said the incident had also deeply affected pupils, teachers and the wider Milford Haven community.

She added: “This incident understandably had a profound impact on other students and teachers at Milford Haven Comprehensive School, as well as the wider community.

“Fortunately, we were able to promptly attend the school, ensure the safeguarding of pupils and teachers, and apprehend the offender.”

She also thanked the emergency services, school staff, parents, pupils, Pembrokeshire County Council and members of the community for their support and patience during the investigation and subsequent court proceedings.

DI Totterdale said: “I hope that, with the trial now concluded, the victim in this case can begin to obtain some closure from this incident, and that Milford Haven Comprehensive School can continue passionately teaching, learning and thriving together in a safe environment.”

The teenager will return to Swansea Crown Court to be sentenced on Thursday, September 3.

Ford Pawb offers affordable, nutritious meals alongside friendship and community spirit

A NEW community dining initiative has enjoyed a successful opening night, welcoming a packed gathering to Fishguard Town Hall for an evening of affordable food and friendly conversation.

Ford Pawb, also known as Everyone’s Table, has been launched by the Fishguard Bay Sustainable Food Initiative CIC and will serve a low-cost, nutritious meal open to everyone on Monday evenings.

The first event attracted residents of all ages, with tables filling as people gathered to eat, catch up with friends and meet others from the community.

Guests were served vegetable lasagne with potatoes and salad, followed by a fresh garden berry crumble and a selection of non-alcoholic drinks. Much of the food was locally sourced, with diners praising both the generous portions and the quality of the meal.

Flowers decorated the tables, adding to the welcoming atmosphere, while music followed the meal as guests continued to socialise.

Behind the scenes, a team of volunteer cooks and servers worked throughout the evening to prepare and serve the food, clear tables and ensure the new project got off to a smooth start.

Organisers hope Ford Pawb will provide more than simply an affordable meal. The weekly gatherings are also intended to offer a warm and inclusive place where people can spend time together, reduce social isolation and strengthen community connections.

The strong turnout on the opening night demonstrated the appetite for such an initiative in Fishguard and Goodwick, and organisers and volunteers were congratulated for their hard work in bringing the project to life.

Henry Tufnell welcomes Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s first cost-of-living measure, which will remove VAT from domestic electricity bills from October

HOUSEHOLDS across Pembrokeshire are expected to save around £45 a year after Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced that VAT will be removed from domestic electricity bills.

The UK-wide tax cut will reduce the VAT rate on household electricity from 5% to zero from October 1, in time to be reflected in the next Ofgem energy price cap.

The Government says energy suppliers will be expected to pass the full reduction on to customers, including households on fixed-price tariffs.

Henry Tufnell, Labour MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, welcomed the announcement and said rising energy costs had placed considerable pressure on families across the county.

Mr Tufnell said: “I know just how hard it’s been for so many people across Pembrokeshire struggling with high energy bills.

“It is fantastic to see immediate action from our new Prime Minister, focused on making life easier for people in Pembrokeshire.

“Cutting VAT on electricity will bring welcome relief to local families and shows that we have a Labour government on our side, taking swift action to ease the cost of living.”

The measure is one of the first policy announcements made by Mr Burnham since entering Downing Street.

Speaking on his second day as Prime Minister, Mr Burnham said the tax reduction was intended to provide households with immediate “breathing space” ahead of the winter.

He said: “Westminster has not been working for people for too long, with families struggling with the cost of living.

“That needs to change. I said I wanted to give people breathing space, and that’s what I’m announcing on my second day as Prime Minister.

“We’re taking immediate action to cut taxes on energy bills, put more money in people’s pockets and bring back hope.”

The Government estimates that removing VAT will reduce the annual Ofgem price cap by approximately £45 from October.

Ministers say this will be in addition to the £150 reduction in energy costs announced at the previous Budget.

Although the saving will apply across the UK, it could be particularly welcome in rural areas such as Pembrokeshire, where many households face additional transport, housing and heating costs.

The Government says the VAT reduction will initially be funded through the cancellation of the planned £1.8 billion Digital ID programme.

The electricity tax cut is expected to cost approximately £850 million during the 2026-27 financial year, although updated estimates will be published at the Budget.

Chancellor John Healey said: “For too long, too many people have struggled with the cost of living.

“Today’s energy tax cut will give families some breathing room on bills and provide some reassurance this winter.

“This measure is funded this year from cancelling the Digital ID programme, and it will help bring down inflation while supporting households in every postcode.”

Ministers estimate that the VAT cut could reduce CPI inflation by around 0.1 percentage points.

The relief will also apply to some small businesses that qualify for domestic energy VAT rates but are not VAT registered, along with eligible charities and residential care homes.

Further decisions on longer-term support for energy bills are expected to be announced alongside the Budget and an updated forecast from the Office for Budget Responsibility.