News

Major unrest at Parc Prison following mounting drugs deaths

Published

2 years ago

June 1, 2024

PARC PRISON in South Wales has been engulfed in chaos over the past 24 hours, with a riot involving around twenty prisoners erupting, and growing unrest among inmates and their families.

This comes on the heels of a troubling series of deaths within the prison. The unrest at Parc follows the death of Warren Manners, 38, marking the tenth inmate to die in just over three months.

***Emergency services at the prison at 1.30am on Saturday (Image: Facebook)***

Manners’ death, which occurred earlier this week, has intensified scrutiny on the prison, particularly concerning allegations of drug misuse among prisoners. South Wales Police have reported that four of the ten deaths were related to synthetic opioids, including Nitazene and Spice.

The epicentre of the current disturbance appears to be B3 wing.

As well as the riot, there was a seperate incident involving a number of prisoners, some of whom required hospital treatment.

An air ambulance was dispatched to the prison, but was not needed, it has been confirmed.

Throughout the night, sounds of shouting and unrest have been heard from within the prison, particularly by those gathered in the top car park. Families and friends of inmates have converged outside, expressing their support by honking car horns—a gesture aimed at showing solidarity but one that has drawn mixed reactions from the community.

The scene outside Parc Prison has been marked by both solidarity and tension. Friends and families of inmates have gathered, creating a noisy environment by continuously honking car horns. While some see this as a show of support, others fear it might escalate the situation further. There have been calls by some for more extreme measures, including blocking the prison’s exits with vehicles.

The response from the authorities has been robust yet somewhat fragmented. Reports indicate that the government has taken control of the situation from G4S, the private company managing the prison. Riot vans and police have been deployed to handle the unrest, and some staff members appear to be leaving, possibly indicating a shift in control or an attempt to de-escalate the situation.

A significant challenge throughout this crisis has been the lack of clear communication from prison authorities. Families of inmates have expressed frustration over the sparse information available, leading to widespread speculation and misinformation. Social media has been abuzz with various unverified claims about the conditions inside the prison and the reasons behind the riot.

The spate of deaths at Parc Prison has been linked to drug misuse, with synthetic opioids playing a central role. In March, the prisons and probation ombudsman, Adrian Usher, issued a stark warning urging inmates to dispose of synthetic drugs like Spice. Despite these warnings, the drug-related deaths have continued, raising serious questions about the prison’s ability to control substance misuse within its walls.

A HMP Parc spokesperson told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “Staff at HMP Parc swiftly resolved two short-lived incidents involving prisoners on Friday, with no officers injured.

“Those involved will receive the strongest possible punishments, including criminal prosecution.”

“There were two short-lived incidents at HMP Parc on Friday 31 May. One involved approximately twenty prisoners and thanks to the efforts of our staff, was safely resolved.”

Parc Prison confirmed that mutual was sought from HMPPS, and was received “in line with national protocol.”

A spokesperson explained that the second incident was unrelated and involved an altercation between three prisoners, who required hospital treatment.

“No injuries sustained were life-threatening. An air ambulance did attend the site but was not needed. No staff were injured in either incident.”

Even before the latest trouble, the situation at Parc Prison has drawn national attention, with two MPs calling on the UK government to intervene and take charge of the prison. The families of deceased inmates have also protested outside the jail, demanding justice and better conditions for those still incarcerated.

***There were protests outside the prison this week (Image BBC)***

Crime

Prisoner jailed for historic child abuse dies at Parc

Published

4 minutes ago

February 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Standard ombudsman investigation launched following death in custody

A prisoner serving a lengthy sentence for the rape and sexual abuse of a young child has died at HMP Parc, prison officials have confirmed.

Malcolm Coles, aged 76, passed away on Wednesday (Dec 17, 2025) while being held at the Bridgend jail.

Coles had been jailed in 2017 after a court heard he carried out a sustained campaign of abuse against a young girl over a six-year period during the 1980s, when she was between six and eleven years old.

He was convicted of one count of rape, four counts of indecent assault and one count of indecency with a child following a trial decades after the offences took place. The victim reported the abuse more than twenty-five years later.

The court sentenced him to 15 years in prison.

Confirming the death, a spokesperson for the prison said: “Mr Malcolm Coles passed away on 17 December 2025.

“As with all deaths in custody, this will be investigated by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman. The cause of death will be for the coroner to determine.”

No cause of death has been released at this stage.

It is understood Coles had been unwell for some time prior to his death.

All deaths in prison custody are automatically referred to the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, who carries out an independent investigation into the circumstances before the matter proceeds to an inquest.

Crime

Teacher discharged as Milford School to reopen Monday after serious assault

Published

13 minutes ago

February 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Deputy head praises ‘calm and professional’ staff and pupils during lockdown

A TEACHER injured in a serious incident at Milford Haven Comprehensive School has been discharged from hospital as the school confirmed it will reopen on Monday with extra support in place.

A 15-year-old boy remains in police custody on suspicion of attempted murder following the alleged assault at around 3:20pm on Thursday (Feb 5).

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police were called to the school after reports that a pupil had assaulted a member of staff while brandishing a weapon. The site was placed into immediate lockdown, with all pupils later sent home safely.

In a fresh statement issued late on Friday afternoon, school leaders and the council thanked staff, pupils and emergency services for their response.

Deputy headteacher Daryl John said: “On behalf of the school staff and governors, I would like to thank and praise all of the staff and the small number of pupils who remained on site. They all conducted themselves with professionalism and were calm throughout.

“We are extremely grateful to the emergency services for their rapid and effective response. Our heartfelt best wishes go out to our colleague, and we look forward to their full and speedy recovery.”

Jon Harvey, leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, said he was pleased the school would reopen next week.

He added: “If there are any pupils who have been affected by the incident and require additional support, please ask teachers or staff who will be able to help with well-being provision.

“Lockdowns such as that implemented on Thursday afternoon are routinely rehearsed by schools so that on the very rare occasions where they are needed, everyone knows what to do.

“As a Local Authority we will of course continue to support Milford Haven School in whatever way possible following this awful incident.”

Earlier, the council and Hywel Dda University Health Board confirmed specialist support would be available for staff and learners, and advised anyone needing urgent mental health help to call NHS 111 and press option two.

Local MP Henry Tufnell and teaching unions including NASUWT and National Education Union have also expressed concern and support for the school community.

Parents described the town as subdued, with one telling The Herald it felt “like a lockdown morning” with no children walking to school.

Police enquiries are ongoing.

Crime

Police probe fire safety damage at St Govan’s Centre in Pembroke Dock

Published

28 minutes ago

February 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are investigating after fire safety equipment was deliberately damaged at the St Govan’s Shopping Centre in Pembroke Dock.

The incident happened during the evening of Monday (Feb 2), when glass covers on several fire alarm call points inside the shopping arcade were reportedly smashed.

Centre staff said the damage posed a serious risk to public safety and warned that tampering with fire protection systems could endanger shoppers and businesses.

A spokesperson for the centre said: “This type of behaviour is extremely concerning. Damaging fire alarm equipment compromises safety and puts people at risk.

“It also leaves the centre facing unnecessary repair costs and disruption which could have been avoided.”

CCTV images have been released showing three young people who are believed to be connected to the incident. Staff are urging anyone who recognises those pictured to come forward so the matter can be addressed.

They added: “We want to make clear how dangerous this kind of behaviour is and deal with it appropriately.”

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed officers are making enquiries.

A spokesperson said: “On February 3 we received a report of criminal damage which occurred at St Govan’s Shopping Centre, Pembroke Dock, on February 2. Enquiries are ongoing.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.