News

River Cleddau tragedy: Police confirm that search has been concluded

Published

4 years ago

October 30, 2021

A MULTI-AGENCY search and rescue operation that took place in the River Cleddau, Haverfordwest today (Saturday) has concluded this evening, police have said.

The Herald understands that a number of people lost their lives in today’s tragic incident, with police prioritising giving support to the families before giving details.

One person was taken to hospital, the ambulance service said.

Police, fire, coastguard and ambulance were called to the Cleddau River in Haverfordwest at around 9am this morning following reports of a group of people in distress in the water.

It is understood that the people in difficulty were an organised group of experienced adventurers from the South Wales area involved in Stand up Paddle boarding or SUP, one of the fastest growing waters sports in the world. Using a very large, stable board (similar to a surfboard) and a single blade paddle you can navigate your way along coastlines, rivers and lakes.

HM Coastguard team in Haverfordwest search River Cleddau (Image Martin Cavaney)

It is understood that there were nine people in the group, including two instructors. It is not known how many people took to the water.

A local woman was due to join the team from away in their on-the-water activity this morning, but changed her mind at the last minute.

Police said that following an emergency call around 0900 HRS, a swift search of the river was launched, with 30 firefighters from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service working alongside Coastguard crews and helicopter support.

DCI Jonathan Rees of Dyfed-Powys Police said he was not in a position to release further details at this time, but everyone had been accounted for and the search stood down.

He said at present his priority was ensuring those involved, and their families, had been contacted and were receiving appropriate support.

DCI Rees said an investigation was already underway into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

He thanked the public for their patience while the area was cordoned off, and emergency service colleagues for their support at the scene.

Lyndon Frayling, Councillor for Haverfordwest, said: “I have just been updated.
“I just feel so sorry for the people who have been injured and have lost their lives.
“I also want to pay tribute to the emergency services who have risked their lives as well.
“I have lived here all my life and have seen that river rise quickly and be very powerful especially after the rain we have had.”

Cllr Thomas Tudor said: “Today a terrible tragedy unfolded on the river Cleddau in the Castle Ward of Haverfordwest.
“I would like to extend my sympathies to the families who have lost loved ones in this tragedy and I would like to thank the emergency services for their brave efforts in tackling this issue.
“I would also like to thank the staff from the Bristol Trader and Vaughans Radio who provided help and support for the emergency services during this difficult operation.”

Fire fighters searching River Cleddau (Pic Martin Cavaney)

Crime

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

Published

11 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.

News

Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

Published

11 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

12 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.