News

Humans, not glaciers, moved Stonehenge bluestones from Wales, research confirms

Published

8 months ago

July 29, 2025

THE ICONIC bluestones of Stonehenge were transported from Pembrokeshire to Salisbury Plain by people rather than glaciers, according to new research led by Aberystwyth University.

For decades, archaeologists have debated whether the massive stones — some weighing up to four tonnes — were dragged more than 200km from west Wales by Neolithic people, or carried south by glacial ice during the Ice Age.

The latest study, carried out with University College London, the University of South Wales and the University of Exeter, focuses on a distinctive fragment known as the “Newall boulder”. Excavated at Stonehenge in 1924, the boulder has long been central to the argument.

Some earlier studies described it as a glacial erratic, suggesting it was moved by ice. But detailed analysis — including X-ray, geochemical and microscopic examination — found “no evidence to support” that theory. Instead, the research team concluded it is rhyolite debitage from Craig Rhos-y-Felin in north Pembrokeshire, most likely the broken top of Stone 32d, now a buried stump at Stonehenge.

Lead author Professor Richard Bevins said: “Our examinations show that the Newall boulder matches rock from Craig Rhos-y-Felin exactly. Combined with strong archaeological evidence for stone extraction at the site, we believe Neolithic people transported it all the way to Wiltshire. Stonehenge itself proves such an extraordinary feat was possible.”

The team also point out that if glaciers had carried the stones, similar boulders would be scattered widely across Salisbury Plain. Instead, bluestones are found only at Stonehenge and its immediate surroundings.

The findings, published in Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, are described as the most complete review yet of the Newall boulder evidence. The authors conclude: “There is no evidence of glaciation on Salisbury Plain. The bluestones were brought to Stonehenge by human hands, not by ice.”

Professor Bevins and co-author Professor Nick Pearce were also part of a 2024 study which revealed Stonehenge’s Altar Stone originated from north-east Scotland, not from the Preseli Hills as previously believed.

The research was supported by an Emeritus Fellowship from the Leverhulme Trust.

Crime

Neighbourhood policing boosted across Dyfed-Powys

Published

2 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced a significant expansion of its Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams (NPPT), with more officers being deployed to frontline roles where demand is greatest.

From Monday (Mar 16), teams across the force area have been strengthened, with a renewed focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and preventing crime at its source.

The force says the move is aimed at reducing repeat demand by addressing the root causes of offending, rather than simply responding to incidents.

To achieve this, a number of officers have been redeployed from central departments back into frontline policing, while new posts are also being created to bolster capacity.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies, head of uniform policing, said: “These changes are about increasing frontline visibility and ensuring we have the right resources in the right places.

“They form part of a wider programme of improvements across the force to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while also supporting the wellbeing of our officers and staff.

“This is positive news for our communities, who will benefit from stronger neighbourhood teams focused on local priorities and proactive policing.”

The expansion has been made possible through Home Office funding under the Neighbourhood Guarantee scheme, which is designed to strengthen community safety and crime prevention.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been allocated £1.4 million for 2025/26, enabling the recruitment of police staff and freeing up officers previously in support roles to return to operational duties.

As a result, four sergeants and 29 police officers have now been reassigned to neighbourhood teams across the force.

Each NPPT area will also have a named officer, with full team details available via the ‘Your Area’ section of the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

The force has also secured early access to 2026/27 Neighbourhood Guarantee funding, which will see a further 12 officers recruited between April and the autumn—adding to overall officer numbers in the region.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Neighbourhood policing is about more than numbers—it’s about relationships.

“Greater visibility helps build trust, strengthens community ties, and reassures the public that policing is present, responsive, and committed to keeping people safe.

“I remain committed to improving police visibility across our communities, and these additional officers will help turn that ambition into reality.”

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

2 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.