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Milford Haven: Couple narrowly escapes Tunisia resort massacre

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tunisia-isis-terrorists-attack-touristsA RETIRED Milford couple narrowly escaped execution in the Tunisian beach massacre last week. Speaking exclusively with The Herald were Ann and Ken Mansell, who recounted the terrifying ordeal at the private beach of the Riu Imperial Marhaba hotel on the Tunisian Sousse resort, where 38 people were killed on Friday June 26. 

Ann explained what happened: “We were on the beach, as we were each day, and at lunchtime we heard what we thought was fireworks, which went on for a few seconds, and then kept going. As I turned, I realised it was someone firing guns, my husband caught me by the hand and we ran along the beach, over rough ground, with bullets flying and whizzing around – you could hear them hitting things and ricocheting.”

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Ken continued, saying: “I got up and out of the corner of my eye I saw him shoot. I could see his face – he was 5xsunbeds away – He aimed straight at the first two set of deckchairs. I grabbed my wife’s hand and ran up the beach.”

Asking Ken how long it took to be sure what was going on, he replied: “Seconds.”

Continuing to describe their flight from terror, he said: “We ducked down behind a wall. I looked up and 12 foot away was the gunman changing his magazine. So I grabbed the wife by the hand and said ‘run’ we passed a point below where people had gone and we continued diving over a wall behind some bushes, and with that, he dropped a hand grenade in this well – which we found out later was a spa and changing rooms below.  He walked past us firing. He was heading towards the hotel, with shouting and screaming and gunshots. There were more hand grenades, so there had to be more than one of them. We just laid there. Pretending to be dead.”

Asked what they then saw on the beach after the shooting, Ken continued by describing the horrific scene: “From sunbed number one, on the right of the concrete path, they were all dead, all covered over. I got to our sunbed and I could see bodies, loads, covered over. There were empty casings strewn on the beach “

He explained that the nearest body from where they were sitting, was in fact the adjacent sun lounger. He went on to talk about the victims, who were also residents of the hotel in which they were staying.

“One couple used to come down the concrete path from the dining room, going to the left of the beach; on this morning they went to the right, because they were late. We had just seen them.”

He stated the couple had been unaccounted for, thus were the margins for life and death during the horrific massacre.

Finishing, Ken said: “Every time I go to think about something all I think about is this gunmen, spraying the first burst of gunfire, and then I see him changing magazines.”

 

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Education

Sam Kurtz quizzed by primary school pupils about how was is governed

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PUPILS at St Oswald’s VA Primary School welcomed a visit from local Senedd member Samuel Kurtz on Monday (Feb 2), as children put questions to him about how Wales is governed.

Years five and six pupils took part in an interactive session where the Senedd Cymru member explained the role of the Welsh Parliament, how laws are made, and how elected representatives support local residents.

He outlined what a Member of the Senedd does day-to-day, how decisions affecting communities are taken, and why taking part in democracy is important.

The pupils were then given the chance to quiz him directly, raising questions about politics, local issues and how young people can make their voices heard. Staff said the children showed strong interest and came well prepared.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Kurtz said: “It was a real pleasure to visit St Oswald’s and see such enthusiasm and curiosity from the pupils.

“Understanding how democracy works and how decisions are made is important, and it is encouraging to see young people taking an interest in how their community and country are run.

“I was particularly impressed by the quality of the questions, which showed they had clearly done their research.”

Teachers described the visit as a valuable opportunity to bring lessons about citizenship and Welsh democracy to life.

The school visit forms part of Mr Kurtz’s ongoing programme of meeting with schools, community groups and residents across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire.

 

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Crime

Police confirm teacher was stabbed at school as teenager appears in court

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15-year-old charged with Section 18 GBH with intent and possession of a bladed article on education premises

POLICE have confirmed that the teacher injured during Thursday’s lockdown at Milford Haven Comprehensive School suffered stab wounds, as a 15-year-old boy appears in court today (Saturday, Feb 7).

Dyfed-Powys Police said the teenager has been charged with Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a bladed article on education premises. He has been remanded in custody and is due before Swansea Magistrates’ Court this morning.

Emergency services were called to the school at around 3:20pm on Thursday (Feb 5) following reports that a member of staff had been assaulted by a pupil. The school was placed into immediate lockdown and police said all learners later returned home unharmed.

The injured teacher has since been discharged from hospital and is recovering with support.

Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Briggs said: “We are continuing to support the victim whilst they recover from this traumatic event. Following detailed enquiries by specialist officers, injuries initially assessed and described as non-stab injuries have now been confirmed as stab wounds.

“A statement at an early stage of the investigation was based on preliminary information available at the time.

“There will continue to be a higher than usual police presence in the area over the coming days to provide further reassurance. Officers will be working closely with local secondary schools to offer support over the coming week.”

In a joint update issued by the local authority and the school, deputy headteacher Daryl John thanked staff and the small number of pupils who remained on site, saying they acted “with professionalism” and were “calm throughout”. He added that the school community was grateful for the “rapid and effective response” of the emergency services and sent best wishes to the injured colleague for a “full and speedy recovery”.

Pembrokeshire County Council leader Cllr Jon Harvey confirmed the school will reopen on Monday, with additional support available for pupils and staff affected by the incident. He said lockdown procedures are routinely rehearsed so that, in rare cases where they are needed, everyone knows what to do.

The school was closed to pupils on Friday, with the town noticeably quieter than usual as children stayed home.

Police enquiries are continuing and further updates are expected following the court hearing.

 

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News

Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England

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A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.

Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.

Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.

They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.

The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.

Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.

Photo caption:

Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).

 

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