THREE people have died and one remains in hospital following a multi-agency river rescue in Haverfordwest yesterday.

Dyfed-Powys Police received reports of people in distress in the River Cleddau shortly after 9am on Saturday, October 30.

A group of nine adults from the south Wales area had travelled to Pembrokeshire for a paddle-boarding excursion.

They had been staying in accommodation in Tenby.

That group was to be ten, but a local woman from Milford Haven changed her plans at the last minute and decided not to attend the water sports activity with the group.

The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated, but it is believed that the group got into difficulty in the water.

Sadly two women and a man died at the scene, and a woman remains in a critical condition in hospital.

Next of kin are being supported by specialist Family Liaison Officers.

A further five people were rescued without injury.

A member of the public is also believed to have entered the water to attempt a rescue, later exiting the water safely.

The Quay Street area was cordoned off for several hours, with public asked to avoid the area while a search of the river took place.

Thirty firefighters from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, including specialist wading crews and swift water rescue technicians, responded to assist with the rescue.

Two fire boats were launched to assist with bank and river searches, with crews working closely with the attending Coastguard teams.

There was helicopter support from NPAS, Coastguard and Wales Air Ambulance, and Angle RNLI lifeboat was also tasked.

Welsh Ambulance Service responded with several ambulances, taking the injured woman to Withybush Hospital.

More than 20 police officers attended the scene, which remained cordoned off until around 5pm.

Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Rees said a full investigation was already underway, but at this stage his thoughts were focused on the loved ones of those who had died and the injured paddleboarder who remains in hospital.

He thanked emergency service colleagues for their swift support, and the public for their patience throughout the incident.

DCI Rees has appealed to anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation to get in touch through a dedicated website at https://orlo.uk/HaverfordwestAppeal_naaDd

HM Coroner, Health and safety Executive and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) have been informed.

A MAIB spokesman said: “A team of inspectors from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch has deployed to Haverfordwest to undertake a preliminary assessment of the accident, working in co-operation with other agencies.

“The aim of the MAIB’s preliminary assessment is to help with determining the way forward.”

Liz Saville Roberts, leader of Plaid Cymru in Westminster, said on Saturday: “The news emerging from the River Cleddau incident in Haverfordwest is distressing.

“God speed the emergency services and support the families.”

Stephen Crabb Welsh Conservative MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, said on Saturday: “Horrific incident in Haverfordwest this afternoon.

“Thoughts with all involved and the emergency services responding.”