A JOINT policing operation aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour in Tenby and across Pembrokeshire will return during the busy summer holiday period.

Operation Lion brings together Transport for Wales, Dyfed-Powys Police and British Transport Police to provide an increased visible presence in the area as visitor numbers rise.

The annual operation, first launched in 2015, will run throughout the six-week school summer holidays, with dedicated patrols every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

British Transport Police officers will patrol Tenby and the surrounding area, working alongside Dyfed-Powys Police to respond to incidents and reassure residents, businesses and visitors.

Transport for Wales security teams will also patrol train services between Tenby and Pembroke Dock, while additional cover will be provided on the final service to Carmarthen.

The operation aims to reduce antisocial behaviour, public disorder and vandalism, while improving public safety through a visible police and security presence.

Organisers say the initiative has helped reduce summer incidents in previous years and has received positive feedback from businesses and communities in Tenby.

Transport for Wales security manager Simon Turton said: “We’re proud to once again support Operation Lion alongside our colleagues from British Transport Police and Dyfed-Powys Police.

“This initiative is a great example of partnership working in action. Through a proactive, community-focused approach, we have helped reduce antisocial behaviour in Tenby and across Pembrokeshire over the years, and we are committed to building on that success again this summer.

“Our aim is simple: to ensure that residents and visitors can enjoy everything these fantastic areas have to offer in a safe and welcoming environment.”

A CARMARTHENSHIRE man has been sentenced after admitting responsibility for repeated fly-tipping near an industrial estate in Carmarthen.

Environmental enforcement officers from Carmarthenshire County Council were called to private land beside the railway line near Cillefwr Industrial Estate, Johnstown, on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

A large quantity of household rubbish and building materials had been dumped at the site.

Evidence recovered from the waste led officers to Edward Bassett following what the council described as a detailed and lengthy investigation.

Bassett was later interviewed by council officers and admitted dumping waste at the location on several occasions.

He appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on June 18, 2026, and pleaded guilty to one offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and a further offence under the Control of Pollution (Amendment) Act 1989.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order, including 200 hours of unpaid work.

Bassett was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £2,403.24 and a victim surcharge of £140.

Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for enforcement, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s commitment to investigating incidents thoroughly and taking robust enforcement action against those responsible.

“We would encourage residents to continue reporting fly-tipping and to ensure that their waste is disposed of responsibly through authorised carriers and facilities.”

The council said it continues to operate a zero-tolerance approach to environmental crime and will take enforcement action where sufficient evidence is available.

Fly-tipping incidents can be reported through Carmarthenshire County Council’s website.

Detectives say inquiry is moving “at a significant pace” after 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder is ruled out

THE MURDER investigation into the death of former Conservative minister and Reform UK campaigner Ann Widdecombe has taken a dramatic new turn after the only suspect arrested in the case was released from custody and eliminated from police enquiries.

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed early on Saturday morning (July 11) that the 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday is “no longer part of the investigation”.

The development leaves detectives searching for the person responsible for the death of the 78-year-old former MP, who was found dead with serious injuries at her home on Dartmoor.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said detectives remained focused on identifying those responsible.

He said: “Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined.

“Detectives continue to carry out numerous enquiries as part of the ongoing investigation and we remain committed to establishing the full circumstances surrounding the incident.”

Last known movements emerge

New details have also emerged about Widdecombe’s final known communications.

The former minister appeared on TalkTV on Wednesday morning, discussing Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

Later that day she was reportedly due to take part in a video interview for a Channel 5 current affairs programme.

According to reports, a researcher exchanged messages with Widdecombe shortly after midday, with her final known response received at 12.19pm.

A further message sent shortly before a scheduled Zoom interview went unanswered.

Television presenter Dan Walker later revealed that concerns were raised after Widdecombe failed to join the programme and stopped responding to messages.

The information has since been passed to police as part of the investigation.

Found with serious injuries

Police were called to Widdecombe’s home, known as Widdecombe’s Rest, in the village of Haytor on the edge of Dartmoor, at around 11.40am on Thursday after concerns were raised.

Officers attended alongside the ambulance service and discovered Widdecombe had suffered serious injuries and had died at the scene.

Her death was initially announced publicly on Friday morning by her management team, which at the time made no mention of suspicious circumstances.

However, just hours later, Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Team had launched a murder inquiry.

A 26-year-old man was arrested in Newton Abbot on Friday afternoon before being released overnight.

Police presence remains

A large police cordon remains in place around the property, with forensic officers continuing examinations throughout Saturday.

Road closures are still in force around the scene while officers carry out house-to-house enquiries and review CCTV and other evidence.

Police have stressed there is currently no indication the incident was politically motivated and it is not being treated as terrorism-related.

Mr Longman said the investigation was still in its early stages but was progressing rapidly.

“We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened,” he said.

Tributes continue

Tributes have continued to pour in from across the political spectrum.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the death as “really shocking news” and said he had spoken with political leaders including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood called the circumstances “extremely distressing” and urged the public to avoid speculation.

In Wales, Reform UK Wales described Widdecombe as “a true patriot and a fierce champion of Brexit”.

Senedd members Laura Anne Jones and Llŷr Powell also paid tribute, while former Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies said: “You always knew where you stood with Ann.”

Community in shock

Residents in Haytor have spoken of their disbelief at events in what is normally regarded as one of Devon’s safest rural communities.

Neighbour Christine Maloney said locals frequently left doors and cars unlocked.

“It’s very, very safe around here,” she said. “I leave my car open, I leave my front door open – not now.”

Another resident, Simon Gilbert, said: “She didn’t deserve to die like that.”

Widdecombe moved to the property in 2008 after retiring from Parliament, naming it Widdecombe’s Rest because, she said at the time, it would be “the rest of my life”.

Police have appealed for anyone with information, dashcam footage or CCTV from the Haytor area to contact officers immediately.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police quoting the incident.