Entertainment

BBC Wales Investigates: Death of Two Black Men: Police in the Spotlight

Published

3 years ago

January 24, 2022

TONIGHT 24/1/22, 7.30pm, BBC One Wales

THE FAMILIES of two men who died within weeks of each other after incidents involving Welsh police forces have spoken for the first time of their fight for justice.

Mohamud Hassan, 24, and Mouayed Bashir, 29, died within weeks of each other in separate incidents after coming into contact with the police.

Both their deaths sparked protests – in Cardiff and Newport – as family, friends and people in their communities expressed concerns about the circumstances of their deaths.

In January last year, police were called to the shared house in Roath, Cardiff, where Mohamud lived in a basement flat. Police arrested him on suspicion of a breach of the peace; he spent the night in a cell at Cardiff Bay police station; and was released the next morning without charge.

He saw his aunt, Zainab Hassan, and uncle, Sulieman Mohamed, after he was released.

“He came over to our house. As soon as I opened the door – literally I was shocked,” said Sulieman.

“His upper lip was completely opened. He had blood all over his top, his track-suit bottoms.”

Zainab added: “He had bruises on his arms. On his torso when he lifted his jumper, all you could see was just marks – red, black even. It was shocking.”

“I said nephew what happened to you? He’s like it’s the police. I said how and why? He said “I dunno uncle”,” said Sulieman.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating his death and the actions of six officers are being examined for alleged misconduct.

A post mortem examination failed to establish the cause of Mr Hassan’s death. The IOPC says its investigation is nearing completion; and his inquest is due to take place in May 2023.

South Wales Police said it was unable to comment on specific points due to the ongoing IOPC investigation, which it says it is fully co-operating with. It also acknowledged the impact of Mr Hassan’s death on his family, friends and wider community; and said their thoughts and condolences are with them.

Just weeks after Mohamud’s death, another young black man died after coming into contact with the police.

Mouayed Bashir died after police came to his house in Maesglas, Newport, in February 2021. His family say they were trying to get an ambulance to attend because Mouayed was having a mental health crisis – but instead the police arrived.

“He was expecting paramedics, but instead police officers in black uniform with brutal force coming in,” said Mouayed’s brother, Mohannad Bashir.

Mohamud Hassan, 24, and Mouayed Bashir, 29, died within weeks of each other in separate incidents after coming into contact with the police.

Mouayed had been stabbed three weeks before his death; and when police came to his home he still had a large, deep wound to his leg.

Mohannad added: “When the police restrained him they handcuffed him, they bound his legs and thighs. My dad was saying to the police officers “he’s already wounded. He’s bleeding again from his thigh. Please let go of his handcuffs and let go of his legs.”

A post mortem examination failed to establish Mouayed Bashir’s cause of death. The IOPC says it’s finalising its investigation into his death; and its publication will depend on discussions with the coroner. His inquest is due to be held in July.

Gwent Police said it was unable to address specific questions until the conclusion of the IOPC investigation and inquest. It pointed out that no officers have been served misconduct notices.

The force also said a risk assessment is carried out when receiving a 999 call and police officers may be asked to support paramedics. The ambulance service said it was sorry its response fell below the expectations of the Bashir family.

Mouayed Bashir’s family are planning to mark the anniversary of his death next month in Newport.

Mohannad said: “If we don’t fight and stand up for other people, for what happened to Mouayed, there’s just going to be another case. We want to do our part. We want to do this for the sake of Mouayed as well.”

The family of Mohamud Hassan will have to wait another 16 months to find out the full facts of his death.

“I can’t remember anything else about my nephew. All those lovely memories I had of him, it’s like they’ve gone. They’ve been wiped out. And I don’t have any answers. I don’t think any words can describe the pain.”

Watch BBC Wales Investigates: Death of Two Black Men: Police in the Spotlight on BBC One Wales at 19:30 GMT on Monday 24 January and afterwards on BBC iPlayer.

Entertainment

Cardigan’s giant lantern parade promises to be brighter than ever in 2025!

Published

5 hours ago

May 19, 2025

Sarah Jane Absalom

Cardigan’s Giant Lantern Parade preparations have begun in earnest after Small World Theatre launched a fundraiser for this year’s theme of ‘Eisteddfod Y Garreg Las’.

Planned to take place on Friday December 5, the organisers have this year set themselves a £5,000 crowdfunding goal through Localgiving.

“We’ve submitted an application to Ceredigion County Council for the costs to organis and create Gwyl Y Golau / Festival of Light, and we’re proposing that we recreate the Light Trail to extend the joy of the Parade,” explained director Ann Shrosbree.

“Last year’s Trail was beautiful and included lighting up and adding giant stars to Cardigan Castle and The Guildhall. And this helped make Cardigan one of the finest festive destinations in Wales in the run up to Christmas.”

Financially supporting this crowd funder will enable Small World to levy the funds to run lantern-making workshops to keep the parade at the heart of the community.

And local businesses are looking forward to joining in with yet another major event in Cardigan’s bumper calendar.

“We had great fun making the otter giant lantern last year with the help of Small World’s

Artists,” commented Vicky Walker who runs the popular ‘Mundos’ gift shop in Pendre.

“ The otter took pride of place in our Christmas window, entertaining our existing customers as well as attracting lots of new ones to Mundos. A competition to ‘name the otter’ raised £300 for this year’s lantern parade and we’re delighted to see that the enthusiasm for the Parade is starting early this year.”

Ska and reggae bands ‘The Chalk Outlines’ and ‘Bad Bananas’ kick off the appeal with a summer fundraiser on Saturday August 1, and people are being urged to buy their £12 tickets in advance to avoid disappointment through Small World’s website.

Also looking forward to it is Ceredigion County Councillor Clive Davies.

“Cardigan has come to rely on the Giant Lantern Parade happening each year,” he said. “Over 300 lanterns were made last year as well as giant lanterns and the postponed event attracted

11,000 visitors, despite the wintery weather. It’s important to support our local creatives who work so hard behind the scenes to make the magic happen.”

If anyone has any fundraising ideas, or is keen to volunteer at the Parade, they are asked to get in touch with Sam Vicary via [email protected].

Anyone wishing to donate, should visit Small World Theatre’s website.

Entertainment

Full house for moving ‘Music of Unity’ concert in Milford Haven

Published

10 hours ago

May 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven was filled with music, colour and community spirit on Sunday (May 18), as the Ukrainian music group VILNI and the Milford Haven Town Band joined forces for a powerful charity concert celebrating unity across cultures.

Titled Music of Unity, the free concert attracted a full congregation, with standing room only by the time the choir took to the front of the historic church. Dressed in traditional Ukrainian embroidered blouses, the performers from VILNI moved the audience with a series of stirring songs that spoke of hope, resilience, and homeland.

***Full support: A packed house listens to the Music of Unity in Milford Haven (Pic: Herald)***

The event was a touching show of solidarity from the local community, with many attendees waving small flags or wearing blue and yellow in support of Ukraine. The concert was followed by a community gathering in the church hall, where guests shared refreshments and took part in a raffle to raise funds for Ukrainian families affected by war.

The Milford Haven Town Band added a local musical flavour to the event, performing several pieces and supporting the vocalists with warm brass harmonies.

One attendee told The Herald: “It was one of the most moving afternoons I’ve experienced. The music was beautiful, but it was the togetherness in the room that really stood out.”

Organisers thanked everyone who donated, with all proceeds going towards humanitarian support for Ukraine. Donations were accepted by cash or card, and raffle prizes included hampers, vouchers, and locally crafted gifts.

Photos from the event show a vibrant gathering of people of all ages, brought together by music and a shared sense of compassion.

***Celebration after song: Community members gather for refreshments and a raffle in the church hall (Pic: Herald)***

Entertainment

Packed year of events at Milford Waterfront

Published

11 hours ago

May 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Music, markets, cruises and fireworks at heart of Milford Haven’s event calendar

PEMBROKESHIRE’S pretty Milford Waterfront is planning an impressive events programme this year with a whole mishmash of seasonal happenings.

Kicking off the activities, on 24^th May, the Milford Haven Round Table will stage the ever-popular Big Beer Festival. Offering an impressive line-up of real ales, lagers and ciders, as well as summery fizz and Pimms. There will also be a street food zone for event goes to enjoy some tasty foods. Adding to the festival vibe will be a programme of live music featuring the UK’s No. 1 Stereophonics tribute band, The Phonics, along with talented local acts. Tickets cost £25pp for a four-drink token and commemorative glass.

In June the focus will be on the water, when the Waverley Paddle Steamer – the world’s last seafaring paddle steamer – glides into Milford waterway. There are two on-the-water options, including on the 2^nd June an afternoon/evening sailing from Milford Haven to Pembrokeshire Islands Explorer Cruise taking in views of Skokholm, Skomer, St Brides Bay & Ramsey Island (tickets £57 adults and £28.50 children). While on 24^th June, departing Mackerel Quay by coach at 4pm, there’s a trip to Tenby for an evening cruise past Caldey Island and along the Pembrokeshire Coast to Milford Haven. The trip sails at 5.30 – 8:30pm (tickets £40 adults and £20 children), with return coach travel back to Milford Waterfront. For more information www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk

More family-focused fun will entertain the crowds on 5^th July at the Milford Haven Carnival. Impressively organised by local Round Table, street entertainers, decorated floats and dressed-up walkers will parade through the town before finishing at the waterfront finale with live music, a fun fair, street entertainers and pop-up refreshments. Entrance fee is £1.

August plays host to the Milford Waterfront Weekender. Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, this year’s programme will be bigger and better. It will run across three days from Friday 8th to Sunday 10^th August (midday to 9pm on Friday and Saturday and midday to 7pm on Sunday). A vibrant mix of live music and entertainment from Pure West Radio plus an impressive market and street food and drinks bar line up, visitors can expect a one-stop-shop of the very best of what South West Wales has to offer.

November means one thing and that’s fireworks. Famed for hosting Pembrokeshire’s biggest, most spectacular and free, over-the-water fireworks display is Milford Haven Round Table stages. This year’s event will take place on Saturday 1st November from midday to midnight. More than just an impressive pyrotechnic extravaganza, the event features live music, a fun fair and delicious street food – all overlooking the pretty 300-berth marina and Milford Haven Waterway.

For more information: www.milfordwaterfront.co.uk/whats-on

For full event listings and updates, visit:
👉 www.milfordwaterfront.co.uk/whats-on