News

Unexploded ordinance found at Freshwater West beach

Published

2 years ago

July 23, 2023

A MAN out metal detecting came across unexploded ordinance at Freshwater West beach last Sunday (Jul 16).

Police were quickly called and attended to make the scene safe and later, a RLC Bomb Disposal team were later, The Herald Understands, to perform a controlled explosion.

The RLC (Royal Logistic Corps) is a branch of the British Army responsible for a variety of logistical support tasks, including bomb disposal and dealing with unexploded ordnance (UXO). They are trained in specialised techniques to defuse and neutralise explosive devices, ensuring the safety of civilians and military personnel.

Summary of RLC Bomb Disposal and UXO Operations:

Detection and Assessment: The process typically begins with the identification of a suspicious device or UXO. This can occur through various means, such as reports from civilians, military personnel, or during clearance operations after a conflict.
Isolation and Evacuation: The area around the device or UXO is immediately secured, and a safe perimeter is established to prevent unauthorised access. If necessary, nearby civilians are evacuated to a safe distance to minimise potential casualties in case of accidental detonation.
Render Safe Procedure (RSP): The bomb disposal team, which consists of highly trained and experienced personnel, approaches the device with great caution. They use specialised tools and equipment to assess the type of explosive, its condition, and potential triggering mechanisms.
Remote Techniques: When possible, bomb disposal experts utilise remote techniques, such as robots or drones, to inspect and handle the device from a safe distance. This minimises the risk to human life during the process.
Disposal Techniques: The RLC employs various techniques to disarm the bomb or make it safe for transportation. These may include cutting wires, removing detonators, or neutralising the explosive material using controlled detonations.
Controlled Detonation: In cases where it is deemed too risky or not feasible to disarm the device, a controlled detonation may be conducted in a controlled environment. This involves using additional explosives to render the original device harmless.
Safe Transport and Storage: If the device cannot be safely neutralised on-site, it is carefully transported to a secure location for disposal or further analysis.
Documentation and Analysis: After the operation, the RLC team documents their findings and procedures for further analysis and to improve their techniques for future operations.

Throughout the entire process, safety is the utmost priority, and the bomb disposal experts follow strict protocols and guidelines to minimise risks and ensure the successful neutralisation of the explosive threat. These operations require highly specialised training, equipment, and nerves of steel to handle the potentially life-threatening situations they face.

READ THIS WEEK’S PEMBROKESHIRE HERALD HERE:

News

Open day at new St Davids housing development

Published

7 hours ago

January 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is celebrating the completion of Phase 1 Llys Glasfryn, St Davids.

The development was built by GRD Homes, and Phase 1 consists of 4 x 2 bed bungalows, and 3 x 1 bed bungalows.

Phase 2 consists of 11 x 2 bed bungalows, which it is hoped will be completed early 2026.

All properties within Phase 1 have been allocated, and Phase 2 properties will be available for bidding a few months before completion.

A Local Lettings Policy is used to allocate these properties, which was created in conjunction with local members, St Davids City Council, and the local community.

To celebrate the completion of Phase 1, Pembrokeshire County Council is holding an open day in one of the newly completed properties.

This will be held on Tuesday 28^th January 2025, from 2pm – 6pm. This is for members of the public to view the site and one of the properties, ask questions, and provide feedback.

Cllr Michelle Bateman, Cabinet Member for Housing Operations, said: “These high quality homes will provide much needed housing in St Davids and form part of our wider development programme.

“Increasing the supply of affordable housing is a key priority for Cabinet and I look forward to meeting new tenants and the wider community at the open day event.”

For more information on Pembrokeshire County Council’s housing developments, or this event, please call 01437 764551, or email [email protected]

News

Agricultural shed fire on Narberth Road in Saundersfoot

Published

9 hours ago

January 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CREWS from the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service stations in Tenby and Milford Haven were called to a fire on Narberth Road, Saundersfoot, at 1:05pm on Monday (Jan 27).

The blaze involved a caravan and an agricultural shed measuring approximately 15 metres by 15 metres. The shed, which contained vehicles and machinery, was completely destroyed along with the caravan.

Firefighters used two hose reel jets, two main jets, an otter pump, and a water shuttle system drawing from an open water source to bring the fire under control.

Crews left the scene at 3:20pm.

Crime

Prison bosses dismiss assault rumours against Southport killer

Published

9 hours ago

January 27, 2025

Staff Writer

PRISON authorities have denied claims circulating on social media that Axel Rudakubana, the Southport killer convicted of murdering three young girls, has been attacked while in custody. The rumours, which gained traction after the circulation of a voice note on Sunday (Jan 26), alleged that the 18-year-old was assaulted by two inmates at HMP Manchester, where he is serving his sentence.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice firmly dismissed the allegations, stating: “Reports of Axel Rudakubana being attacked in prison are inaccurate. He has not been attacked.”

Rudakubana, originally from Cardiff but residing in the Lancashire village of Banks for the past decade, was sentenced on Thursday to a minimum of 52 years behind bars. His crimes, described as among the most extreme and shocking in recent history, included the murders of Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, as well as the attempted murder of ten others. The brutal attack took place on July 29 last year at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport.

During sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court, Mr Justice Goose outlined the horrifying details of Rudakubana’s calculated and violent actions. “He walked straight into the building, up the stairs to where he could hear the sound of happy children. His intention was clear: to murder as many of them as he physically could.”

Over a harrowing 15 minutes, Rudakubana fatally attacked three children, severely injured eight others, and wounded two adults who attempted to intervene. The judge highlighted the unrelenting nature of his violence: “After the other children escaped, he remained in the upstairs room, where he returned to attack two of the youngest victims, stabbing them multiple times. His actions demonstrated a determined intention to cause maximum suffering.”

Mr Justice Goose condemned Rudakubana’s actions as “the most extreme, shocking and exceptionally serious crime.” The judge noted that the carnage could have been even worse if not for the bravery of those who escaped and intervened.

Rudakubana’s case has left a community in mourning and sparked national outrage. As he begins his decades-long sentence, the Ministry of Justice has assured the public that he is being closely monitored and that claims of an attack on him in prison are baseless.