Shop worker says she has been left anxious and struggling to feel safe after glass jar was allegedly thrown at her head

A DUTY manager at Iceland in Haverfordwest says she has been left shaken, anxious and struggling to feel safe at work after an alleged assault inside the store.

The worker, who has asked not to be named, said a man entered the shop late in the evening on Wednesday, July 1, became abusive, threw items from shelves and allegedly threw a glass jar at her head.

She told The Herald: “A male entered the shop late evening being abusive. He then proceeded to throw items off the shelves and threw a jar at my head.

“I didn’t know what to do. I was thinking of the customers still in and around the store.”

The duty manager said she later required medical treatment for a head injury.

She said: “I’ve had my head glued, had headaches and trouble sleeping. I’m still going to work but very anxious doing so.”

The incident is understood to have led to the store closing early. The Herald has been told police attended the scene and that a person was arrested and later bailed while further enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been asked to confirm the details of the incident, including the nature of any arrest, whether anyone has been bailed, and whether officers are appealing for witnesses or CCTV. The force told The Herald it was progressing the enquiry, but no formal statement had been received at the time of publication.

The worker said returning to the store had been extremely difficult.

“It was very frightening going back to work not feeling safe,” she said. “The memories are raw. The smells and visions are going to hang around for a while yet.”

She said customers and colleagues had rallied around her since the alleged attack.

“I can’t really speak for others that were involved,” she said. “However, all customers who are aware of what happened have shown great care towards me since the incident, and so have the staff.”

The duty manager said the incident highlighted wider concerns about abuse and violence faced by shop workers.

She said: “There’s not much a retail worker can do. Our options are limited. We can’t approach any customers. Our store has very little security options.

“We can only call emergency services and ask the person to leave. By the time emergency help has arrived, it’s usually too late, whether it’s your usual theft or incidents like this.”

She said more needed to be done to protect retail workers and the public in Haverfordwest town centre.

“There needs to be more security presence,” she said. “I’m not just speaking of Iceland, but I’m sure most shops in Haverfordwest are very open to thefts and abuse, from children up to impatient customers of all ages.

“Whether that’s police or stores employing their own security, something needs to happen.”

Despite the trauma, the worker said she wanted to thank those who had supported her.

She said: “I’d like to thank all the customers, the local shops in town and all my colleagues and family.

“Everybody who has heard of the situation has looked after me, and I’m definitely learning of the community spirit here in Haverfordwest.”

She added: “I know the locals know who I am but I don’t want the attention. I just need to heal and power through this.

“I’m just grateful for everyone’s help and only want everyone to feel safe at work.”

The Herald will update this story when Dyfed-Powys Police provides a formal response.

WALES’ four Police and Crime Commissioners are to be questioned by MPs next week as major changes to the way policing is governed move closer.

The Welsh Affairs Committee will take evidence on Wednesday, July 8, as part of its inquiry into the future of policing in Wales.

The session will examine the UK Government’s proposed reforms, including plans to abolish Police and Crime Commissioners at the end of their current electoral term in 2028.

In England, PCC responsibilities are expected to pass to elected regional mayors or council leaders. However, there is still uncertainty over who would take on those functions in Wales, where policing remains reserved to Westminster but local government and many related public services are devolved.

MPs are also expected to question the commissioners on the wider implications of the UK Government’s Police Reform Bill, including proposals that could lead to the merger of some of the 43 territorial police forces across England and Wales.

The committee is likely to explore how any changes would affect accountability, local policing priorities, rural crime, funding, and the relationship between Welsh police forces, the Home Office and the Welsh Government.

Topical policing issues are also expected to be raised, including violence against women and girls, the use of live facial recognition technology, and the continuing debate over whether policing should be devolved to Wales.

The witnesses will be Dafydd Llywelyn, Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys Police; Jane Mudd, Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent Police; Andy Dunbobbin, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales Police; and Emma Wools, Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales Police.

The public session is due to begin at 2.30pm in Committee Room 16 at the Palace of Westminster and can be watched live on Parliamentlive.tv.

Ruth Jones MP chairs the Welsh Affairs Committee, which scrutinises the work of the Wales Office and UK Government policy affecting Wales.

A 20-YEAR-OLD man remains in a critical condition in hospital after being seriously assaulted in New Quay.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened at around 12:51am on Saturday (July 4) in Margaret Street, leading to Uplands Square.

The victim suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and remains in police custody.

Police said enquiries are progressing, led by CID and the Major Crime Team. A visible police presence is expected to remain in the area over the coming days.

Officers are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Quote reference: DP-20260704-028.