News

Mystery at Carmarthen tip: After 30 years, the search for a lost child continues

Published

1 year ago

September 18, 2023

IT WAS an ordinary autumn day in September 1990 at the refuse tip at Nantycaws. But what lay amongst the rubbish transformed a routine day into a chilling mystery that has remained unsolved for over three decades.

Police have recently confirmed that the investigation into the gruesome discovery of a child’s body part at this West Wales rubbish tip remains active. A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said, “The investigation remains open and unidentified at this time. Our main objective is to identify the child, and liaising with any family members remains our top priority.”

Mike Lewis of Carmarthen recalled that grim day when he stumbled upon what seemed to be a baby’s leg amidst the waste. “I thought it was medical waste from a hospital. It looked so perfect and cleanly cut, but the reality was far more sinister,” Lewis commented.

Police immediately cordoned off the area, embarking on an extensive search to find any other body parts or evidence. The initial findings suggested the leg belonged to a baby girl, just a few months old. Further examinations hinted at the disturbing possibility that the limb had been severed using a sharp tool, raising unsettling questions about the circumstances of the child’s death.

In the aftermath of the discovery, local rumours ran rampant. Theories from accidental death to ritualistic sacrifices circulated the town. The police’s initial investigations were vast, encompassing refuse lorry drivers and hospitals. Yet, conclusive answers have been elusive.

Jeff Thomas, the then Detective Superintendent at Dyfed-Powys Police, had appealed for information and broadened the search beyond the Dyfed-Powys region, suggesting the refuse might have even come from areas as distant as West Glamorgan.

Despite the initial efforts, the mystery surrounding the child’s leg has endured. However, findings from the National Crime Agency (NCA) indicate that such grim discoveries, though uncommon, are not unheard of. In the 2016/17 period alone, 57 unidentified bodies or body parts were reported, with 11 being partial remains. Startlingly, of the 929 cases reported since 1950, a significant 97% belong to babies.

The NCA is striving for answers alongside local police. Louise Vesely-Shore, senior officer at the UK Missing Persons Unit, highlighted the role of DNA in solving such mysteries, “DNA has certainly made a difference… But wider publicity and international reach also play an essential role in identifying some of these cases.”

Three decades later, many organisations linked to the initial investigations have disbanded, and the tragic tale of the infant girl found at Nantycaws seems to be fading from memory. Yet, the relentless quest for answers, led by the police and supported by the community, continues. For now, the mystery endures, a sombre reminder of a child lost in time.

(Cover image: File)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

28 mins ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand. Despite these measures, the terminal remains overwhelmed by the volume of traffic.

From our position at the terminal, we have captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion. The atmosphere is one of both frustration and resilience as passengers await their departures.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 hour ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.

Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

Published

2 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.

Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.

The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.

“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.

“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.

“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”