Milford Haven and other UK energy hubs urged to stay vigilant amid rising European threats

CONCERNS about the security of major European ports have intensified after two men were arrested over an alleged attempt to sabotage German naval vessels at the Port of Hamburg.

Eurojust, the EU’s crime agency, said the suspects are believed to have deliberately interfered with ships by disabling safety switches, removing fuel tank caps, puncturing water lines and dumping more than twenty kilograms of abrasive gravel into an engine system.

Officials warned that, had the damage gone undetected, it could have caused serious mechanical failure, delayed deployments and endangered German Navy operations.

The suspects, port workers aged thirty-seven and fifty-four, were arrested in Germany and Greece following coordinated raids. Homes in several countries were searched as part of the investigation.

While Germany has not formally blamed Moscow, the arrests come amid growing fears of Kremlin-linked disruption activity across Europe since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Recent incidents have included damaged undersea cables in the Baltic and suspicious drone activity around airports and military facilities.

Security analysts say ports — especially those handling military or energy assets — are increasingly viewed as soft targets.

The developments have clear relevance for west Wales, home to the Milford Haven waterway and the Port of Milford Haven — one of the UK’s most strategically important energy hubs.

The Haven handles a significant share of Britain’s liquefied natural gas imports and hosts major oil and gas infrastructure, alongside commercial and fishing traffic. Any disruption could have national consequences for energy supply as well as local jobs.

Maritime security experts say the Hamburg case highlights how insider access can pose risks.

The suspects there reportedly worked at the port itself, allowing them proximity to vessels and systems without raising immediate suspicion.

That has prompted calls for tighter background checks, improved surveillance and stronger reporting procedures at critical UK ports.

A senior maritime security consultant told The Herald: “The biggest threat is often not dramatic attacks but low-level interference — someone loosening fittings, contaminating fuel, damaging cables. Small acts can cause very expensive and dangerous failures.

“Energy and naval ports are now considered critical infrastructure and must be protected accordingly.”

A spokesperson at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Security across the Waterway is made up of physical measures, procedures, information‑sharing, and intelligence work. These activities are coordinated across all facilities to maintain an effective, intelligence‑led approach to security.

“Both land‑based and marine teams contribute, including commercial operators and government agencies. Each organisation uses its own vetting processes, all of which follow national standards, regulations, and best practice.”

UK vigilance

Across the UK, ports already operate under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, which requires controlled access zones, patrols and monitoring.

However, the scale and complexity of sites such as Milford Haven mean constant vigilance is needed.

Industry sources say collaboration between harbour authorities, police and counter-terrorism teams has increased in recent years, particularly following the war in Ukraine.

A Port of Milford Haven spokesperson previously said security measures are regularly reviewed and updated to “protect people, vessels and infrastructure”.

Police have not indicated any specific threat locally.

Nevertheless, the Hamburg arrests serve as a reminder that sabotage attempts are no longer theoretical.

For communities around the Haven — where tankers, refineries and supply chains underpin the local economy — the message is simple: what happens in European ports today could easily have implications at home tomorrow.

Teenager arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after lockdown triggered

A TEACHER was assaulted by a pupil brandishing a weapon at Milford Haven School on Tuesday afternoon (Feb 4), triggering an emergency lockdown and a major police response.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police were called to the school at around 3:20pm following reports that a member of staff had been attacked.

A lockdown was immediately implemented, with doors secured and pupils and staff told to remain inside classrooms and offices while the situation was dealt with.

Most pupils had already left at the end of the school day, but some remained on site for after-school activities.

Police confirmed that the injured teacher’s wounds are not believed to be stab injuries and they are currently receiving medical treatment.

Superintendent Chris Neve said: “We can confirm police are at Milford Haven Comprehensive School, following a report of the assault of a teacher by a pupil brandishing a weapon at the school at approx. 3.20pm.

“The teacher’s injury is not a stab injury. A lock down was implemented but has now been lifted. The teacher is receiving medical treatment for their injuries.

“All pupils at the location are safe, and most have gone home. Officers remain at the school.

“A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempt murder and is in police custody.”

Parents told The Herald they were alerted to the lockdown shortly after 3:00pm via messages and social media, with some describing staff and pupils being kept inside rooms for safety as a precaution.

The lockdown has since been lifted, but officers remain at the scene while enquiries continue.

There have been no reports of any injuries to pupils.

The Herald has also contacted Pembrokeshire County Council for further comment.

Photo caption: Police vehicles outside Ysgol Aberdaugleddau Milford Haven School following Tuesday afternoon’s incident (Pics: Herald).

Lockdown triggered as pupil allegedly attacks staff member with weapon – boy, 15, held on suspicion of attempted murder

A TEACHER was injured and a 15-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after an assault involving a weapon at Milford Haven School on Thursday afternoon (Feb 5).

Police were called to the school at around 3:20pm following reports that a pupil had assaulted a member of staff while brandishing a weapon on the premises.

An immediate lockdown was put in place across the campus, with doors secured and pupils and staff told to remain inside classrooms and offices while emergency services dealt with the situation.

Most pupils had already gone home at the end of the school day, but a number were still on site for after-school clubs and activities.

Several marked vehicles from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and officers remained at the scene into the evening while enquiries continued.

Police confirmed the injured teacher’s wounds are not believed to be stab injuries and that they are receiving medical treatment.

Superintendent Chris Neve said: “We can confirm police are at Milford Haven Comprehensive School, following a report of the assault of a teacher by a pupil brandishing a weapon at the school at approximately 3.20pm.

“The teacher’s injury is not a stab injury. A lockdown was implemented but has now been lifted. The teacher is receiving medical treatment for their injuries.

“All pupils at the location are safe, and most have gone home. Officers remain at the school.

“A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and is currently in police custody.”

Parents told The Herald they were alerted shortly after 3:00pm through school messages and social media. Some described staff and pupils being kept inside rooms as a precautionary safety measure.

Several parents said communication from the school was clear and timely, helping to reassure families while procedures were in place.

In a further statement, police added: “Police attended an incident at Milford Haven Comprehensive School today at 3:20pm, following a report of the assault of a teacher by a pupil at the school. A lock down was implemented but has now been lifted. All pupils at the location are safe, and most have left the school. Police officers remain at the site. Any planned after-school events have been cancelled this evening.”

There have been no reports of injuries to pupils.

The Herald has contacted Pembrokeshire County Council for further comment.

This is a developing story.

Photo caption: Police vehicles outside Ysgol Aberdaugleddau Milford Haven School following Thursday afternoon’s incident (Pics: Herald).

School already under special measures

Inspectors identified concerns including standards, leadership and the pace of improvement, with the school and the council required to implement an urgent action plan and accept additional oversight.

At the time, Pembrokeshire County Council said it was working closely with leaders to strengthen support for pupils and staff and drive improvements across the site.

There is no indication that Thursday’s assault is directly connected to the inspection outcome. However, the incident is likely to heighten focus on safeguarding, behaviour management and the level of support available within the school community.

Lockdowns and precautionary responses rare but not unprecedented

SERIOUS incidents requiring lockdown procedures in Pembrokeshire and neighbouring counties remain uncommon, but schools across west Wales have faced a small number of precautionary responses in recent years.

Most have involved reports of suspicious behaviour, fights or concerns about potential weapons, with schools acting quickly to secure buildings while police assess the risk.

Education leaders say lockdowns are now standard safeguarding practice and are designed to protect pupils and staff rather than indicate confirmed danger.

In several recent cases locally, schools have temporarily restricted movement or kept pupils indoors following reports made to staff, with police later confirming there was no ongoing threat.

Headteachers are increasingly trained to use “lockdown” or “stay put” procedures in the same way as fire drills — as a precaution while facts are established.

Teaching unions and councils have previously stressed that serious violence inside schools is still extremely rare, but say clear procedures help prevent panic and ensure pupils remain safe.

Police also routinely work with schools on prevention, including liaison officers, safeguarding talks and education around weapons and youth violence.

Thursday’s incident at Milford Haven is therefore likely to be treated as an isolated criminal matter rather than a wider threat to other schools.

However, it will inevitably prompt renewed discussion around behaviour, support services and safety measures for staff and pupils across the region.