News

Major flooding triggers emergency rescues across West Wales

Published

4 months ago

November 5, 2025

Fire service declares major incident as dozens evacuated and animals saved from rising waters

CARDIGANSHIRE, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire have faced one of the worst flooding emergencies in years, with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) declaring a major incident overnight as torrential rain and overflowing rivers left homes, vehicles, and animal sanctuaries under water.

At the height of the storm, between Tuesday evening (Nov 4) and Wednesday morning (Nov 5), firefighters responded to more than 450 calls in just twelve hours, many involving people trapped by rising floodwaters in their homes or stranded in vehicles.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery praised crews for their “dedication and professionalism” during what he described as an exceptionally challenging 24-hour period.

“Our operational crews and Joint Fire Control Centre have been under immense pressure, but their response has been nothing short of extraordinary,” he said.
“We are grateful to all partner agencies and volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the night to keep our communities safe.”

***Gumfreston, Pembrokeshire (Pic: Stephen Roberts)***

48 people rescued in Whitland

The most serious operation unfolded in Whitland, where floodwaters engulfed a retirement housing complex in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Crews from Pembroke Dock, Tenby, Swansea Central, Carmarthen and Whitland Fire Stations rescued 48 residents using sleds and water rescue equipment before relocating them to safety at Whitland Town Hall.

Dogs saved from rising water in Kidwelly

In Kidwelly, floodwater tore through Glanrhyd Dog Sanctuary, where 34 dogs were trapped in their kennels.
Firefighters from Gorseinon and Cymmer stations waded through chest-deep water in pitch darkness to reach the animals, ferrying them to safety in cages using inflatable sleds.

Three people and two dogs rescued in Lampeter

Another dramatic rescue unfolded near Ffarmers, Lampeter, where three people and two dogs became stranded in a vehicle caught in fast-flowing floodwater.
Crews from Lampeter and Aberystwyth stations used extension ladders to reach the vehicle and bring the occupants to safety. They were treated by ambulance crews at the scene.

Flood chaos in St Clears and Ferryside

Further south, emergency teams assisted 42 people from homes and businesses in St Clears, where about 20 buildings were flooded.
In Ferryside, firefighters and lifeboat volunteers led several residents to safety from inundated properties before relocating them to Ferryside RFC for shelter.

Ongoing challenges

The service warned that recovery operations would take days as floodwaters recede and debris is cleared.
MAWWFRS confirmed that all operational crews remain on high alert, working with the Dyfed-Powys Local Resilience Forum and local councils to support recovery efforts.

“This has been a prolonged and challenging event, and we’re not out of it yet,” said ACFO Flannery. “We’ll continue to assist our communities for as long as needed.”

Crime

Man accused of breaching sexual harm prevention order sent to Crown Court

Published

2 minutes ago

March 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Llanelli magistrates send case to higher court

A 40-YEAR-OLD man has been sent to the Crown Court after appearing before magistrates in connection with an alleged breach of a sexual harm prevention order.

Luke Rogers, aged 40, of C3161 Brimston Cross to Wolfscastle Road, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Mar 13).

Rogers is charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order on Tuesday (Feb 25), 2026.

He also faces a further charge of driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence on the same date.

No pleas were entered during the hearing.

Magistrates ruled that the case should be dealt with at the Crown Court and sent the matter to the higher court.

Rogers was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court on Apr 10, 2026.

Crime

Multiple charges of attempted sexual communication with child

Published

14 minutes ago

March 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Machynlleth defendant committed to Crown Court for sentence

A 63-YEAR-OLD man has been committed to the Crown Court for after appearing in court over offences involving attempted sexual communication with a child.

John Langdon, aged 63, of Brickfield Street, Machynlleth, appeared before magistrates charged with two offences relating to attempted online sexual contact with a child.

The court heard that between Saturday (Mar 8) and Wednesday (Mar 12), 2026, Langdon attempted to cause a child aged fourteen to view images of sexual activity for the purpose of sexual gratification.

He was also charged with attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child under sixteen by sending videos containing sexual content.

Both offences were prosecuted under the Criminal Attempts Act 1981.

Langdon did not enter a formal plea the hearing.

Magistrates ruled that their sentencing powers were insufficient due to the seriousness of the allegations.

News

Man remanded in custody over coercive behaviour allegation

Published

26 minutes ago

March 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Stackpole case heard at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court

A 51-YEAR-OLD man accused of controlling and coercive behaviour towards a former partner has been remanded in custody following his first appearance before magistrates.

Mark Hanson, aged 51, of no fixed abode but linked to Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Mar 13).

Hanson faces a charge of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship, contrary to Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

Prosecutors allege that between January 1, 2024 and March 12, 2026, at Stackpole, Hanson repeatedly engaged in behaviour which was controlling or coercive towards a woman with whom he had been in a relationship.

The court heard the alleged conduct included threats of violence and behaviour said to have had a serious effect on the complainant.

Hanson entered a plea of not guilty to the charge during the hearing.

Magistrates were told that the alleged behaviour spanned more than two years.

A second charge of breaching a domestic abuse protection order was also before the court. It was alleged that on Tuesday (Mar 11) Hanson attended the protected person’s home address at Stackpole despite being subject to an order imposed by Llanelli Magistrates’ Court the previous day.

However, the prosecution withdrew that allegation after it emerged police had incorrectly entered the details relating to the alleged breach.

Magistrates Mrs E Byrne and Mr S McKenzie ordered that Hanson be remanded in custody.

The case will return to Llanelli Magistrates’ Court for its next hearing at a later date.