News

Search efforts continue for missing teenager Luke Stephenson

Published

2 years ago

April 30, 2024

THE family of missing teenager Luke Stephenson have issued a heartfelt plea to the public to aid in the search for their son.

Luke, 19, was reported missing on April 13 after last being seen near Pembrokeshire’s Hobbs Point. Despite the multi-agency search operation being called off on April 19, efforts by police divers and helicopter searches have continued around the Cleddau sporadically.

The teenager’s disappearance triggered a huge emergency services, involving local police, the National Police Air Service, and coastguard teams.

Luke was last noted wearing a distinctive long grey coat, black trousers with a white stripe, and black trainers, also with a white stripe. The family have this week circulated a new photograph of the grey coat to assist in identification efforts.

While the formal search has been scaled back, the police remain committed to following up on any leads. “Whilst this is an extremely difficult decision to make, we are satisfied that we have done absolutely everything we possibly can to try and locate Luke,” a police spokesperson stated. Periodic searches have since been conducted around the area he was last seen, based on ongoing reports and sightings.

Luke’s family continues to hold on to hope, describing him as jovial, kind, and humorous—”a typical 19-year-old lad.” Beth Parker, a family friend, has been particularly active in rallying support from the community. “Calling all dog walkers, fishermen, and anyone able to help,” she posted on social media, encouraging those who frequent the coast to remain vigilant and report any potential clues.

The family has also requested the public to check personal CCTV and doorbell footage, especially from the night of Luke’s disappearance. This initiative aims to gather more information about his movements or possible whereabouts after he was last seen.

Several reported sightings, including a potential sighting of a person in the water near Valero and subsequent alerts, have unfortunately not led to any substantial findings.

Authorities urge anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, to come forward. Contact can be made via the Dyfed-Powys Police’s dedicated online portal, email, or phone line. There is also a provision for those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired to text the non-emergency number.

The police said to The Pembrokeshire Herald on Tuesday (Apr 30): “While the multi-agency search for Luke was concluded on the April 19, periodic searches of the area around Hobbs Point and the river have been completed by the National Police Air Service and the force Dog section over the last week. Further enquires or searches will be led by any information received.

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact police , either online at https://bit.ly/DPP101Online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.”

As the search enters another week without resolution, the community and authorities alike hold onto hope, spurred by the family’s resilience and the continued efforts of search teams.

The focus remains finding Luke, a much-loved young man whose absence has left a void in the community.

Crime

Jury told to continue deliberations in historic child sex abuse trial

Published

43 minutes ago

December 18, 2025

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Judge says majority verdict may be accepted after jurors report deadlock at Swansea Crown Court

A JURY has been told to continue its deliberations in the trial of a Milford Haven man accused of historic child sex offences after indicating it could not reach a unanimous verdict.

Thomas Kirk, aged 50, of Meyler Crescent, Milford Haven, is on trial at Swansea Crown Court accused of oral rape and sexual assault of a child. The offences are alleged to have taken place in Pembrokeshire between 2007 and 2009, when the complainant was aged between thirteen and fifteen.

At midday on Wednesday (Dec 18), the jury returned to court to say they were unable to reach a verdict on which all jurors agreed.

Judge Paul Thomas KC told the jury that while he would be prepared to accept a majority verdict if at least ten jurors were in agreement, he still wanted them to continue deliberations in an effort to reach a unanimous decision.

The jury was then sent back out to continue considering its verdict.

The trial continues.

Crime

Police appeal to locate 69-year-old man wanted in harassment investigation

Published

1 hour ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE are appealing for information to help locate a man from the Ammanford area who is wanted in connection with a harassment offence.

Alan Tait, aged 69, is being sought by officers as part of an ongoing investigation.

Police believe he may currently be in the Derbyshire area, but say he also has links to South Wales and Gwent.

Anyone with information that could assist officers in locating him is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.

Charity

Bluestone Foundation marks year of impact with more than £60,000 for local causes

Published

1 hour ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE BLUESTONE FOUNDATION, the charitable arm of Bluestone National Park Resort, has marked a significant year of community investment after raising and distributing more than £60,000 to support projects across Pembrokeshire in 2025.

Run in partnership with the Pembrokeshire Association for Voluntary Services (PAVS), the Foundation has continued to expand its reach, backing a wide range of charities and community organisations working at the heart of the county.

During the year, the Foundation’s Community Fund delivered three rounds of grants, supporting projects focused on wellbeing, inclusion, creativity, and environmental protection.

Environmental organisations including BlueGreen Cymru, Greener Growth CIC and Sea Trust Wales received funding, alongside wellbeing and inclusion groups such as ASD Family Help, Get the Boys a Lift, No Shame Foundation and Silbers CIC.

Creative, youth and heritage organisations including Little Grebe Creative CIC, Pater Hall Community Trust, Milford Haven Community Society, Urdd Gobaith Cymru and VC Gallery also benefited.

In total, £32,968.57 was awarded through the Community Fund in 2025.

Fundraising events held at the Blue Lagoon Water Park generated a further £19,500 in unrestricted income. Under the Foundation’s funding model, 75 per cent of that money is passed directly to charities, with the remaining 25 per cent placed into a flexible fund to support causes that fall outside the Community Fund’s criteria.

Flexible funding totalling £4,500 was used this year to support initiatives including Sport Pembrokeshire’s Fit and Fed project, refurbishment work at Martletwy Young Farmers Club hall, Bloomfield Bus and Green Dragon Bus services, and Nacro’s Christmas appeal, providing food, warm clothing and essential items to people in crisis.

The Foundation also supported the PATCH Christmas Toy Appeal, encouraging staff and visitors at Bluestone to donate gifts for families referred to the charity during the festive period.

In addition, more than one hundred fundraising events across the region were supported through prize donations from the Foundation, including over 200 family passes to the Blue Lagoon Water Park, 32 overnight spa breaks and nine Bluestone holiday breaks.

Marten Lewis, Chair of the Bluestone Foundation said: “This year’s achievements reflect the heart of who we are at Bluestone. The Foundation exists to uplift the people and places that make Pembrokeshire such a special community.

“The impact of our partners, grant recipients and fundraising efforts in 2025 shows what is possible when we work together, and we are proud to see the difference it continues to make across the county.”

Looking ahead to 2026, the Foundation has confirmed continued support for Sport Pembrokeshire’s Fit and Fed project and will act as gold sponsor of the DPJ Foundation’s Macchu Picchu trek.

Five further Blue Lagoon fundraising events are already scheduled between February and August, supporting Local Cadets, Belles Story, Martletwy YFC Hall, Blue Horizons Coastal Adventure and Friends of Portfield School.

Tickets for those events are available via the Bluestone Foundation’s Eventbrite page.

For more information about the Bluestone Foundation, visit the Bluestone website.