News

Nuclear bombers in the skies above Wales as tensions over Ukraine intensify

Published

4 years ago

February 11, 2022

US AIR FORCE B-52 bombers were spotted yesterday morning (Thursday February 10) flying over Wales, heading for RAF Fairford.

Four B-52s set off from their Minot Air Base in North Dakota around 2am GMT.

RAF Fighter Jets joined the B-52s as they arrived in the UK ahead of a busy schedule of training missions with the European Command and US Strategic Command.

Two planes through over North Wales, and a further two took a more southerly route, flying close to Pembrokeshire.

B-52’s are deploying to the UK shortly as part of a ‘Bomber Task Force’ training mission to “familiarise themselves” with European airspace.

The strategic bombers, support equipment, and personnel from the 69^th Bomber Squadron have arrived at RAF Fairford after a transatlantic flight from Minot Air Force Base, N.D, in the latest iteration of the regular Bomber Task Force Missions.

Taking place since 2018, what the Bomber Task Force deployments provide is the opportunity for the RAF to continuously improve interoperability with the United States Air Force, as well as offer RAF pilots valuable training experience with near-peer capabilities.

The RAF says they “throughout their deployment, the United States Air Force aircraft will be based at RAF Fairford providing an ideal staging location for further integration with NATO allies. ”

Amazing sight: B-52’s are deploying to the UK (Image: AP)

“The protection of the UK Homeland through Quick Reaction Alert is just one example of national defence that is woven into maintaining regional, collective defence through this close partnership with NATO allies.”

Air Vice-Marshal Robinson, Air Officer Commanding 11 Group, said: “The RAF has a long, proud history of working alongside the United States Air Force that continues to see shared training, exchange tours and close operational partnerships to this day.”

“This close friendship was celebrated recently with a joint UK/US flypast celebrating 80 years of collaboration with one of US Bomber Command’s oldest units, the 8^th Air Force.”

“The Bomber Task Force missions allow UK/US to challenge each other toward continuous growth and development as part of NATO and supporting the NATO Air Policing mission.”

“The joint missions reinforce the commitment of both nations to NATO and collective defence, the most recent sortie providing a demonstration of the critical ability for a timely and coordinated response to defending the Euro-Atlantic area and, if required, the ability to reach forward locations.”

En route the US Bombers integrated with UK Joint Terminal Attack Controllers at both Cape Wrath in the North of Scotland and RAF Holbeach Air Weapons Range in the East of England, conducting bilateral Close Air Support training.

The mission focused on enhancing readiness and interoperability for the controllers responsible for coordinating airstrikes to support ground forces.

Colonel Bolam, Commanding Officer Joint Air Liaison Organisation, said: “Today’s training provides a valuable opportunity for the UK JTACs.”

“Working with different nationalities and a variety of aircraft types ensures the UK remains a world leading force in Close Air Support and Air Land Integration.”

“Training with B-52s further cements Joint Training Tactics and Procedures and ensures the UK can safely and accurately deliver Air-to-Ground fires alongside our NATO allies.”

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.