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Crime

Southport Stabbing: Two children dead and Cardiff-born teen arrested

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TWO children have died, and nine others were injured, six critically, in a “ferocious” knife attack at a children’s dance workshop in Southport. The incident took place at a Taylor Swift-themed event on Hart Street, leaving two adults in critical condition after attempting to protect the children, Merseyside Police have confirmed.

A 17-year-old boy, originally from Cardiff but now residing in Banks, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. Police have stated that the motivation behind the attack remains “unclear” but is not being treated as terror-related.

Emergency services were alerted to the incident at 11:47 BST, marking the first full week of the school summer holidays for many children across the UK. Armed response vehicles, 13 ambulances, and the fire service rushed to the dance class for children aged six to ten.

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy described the scene as “horrendous,” noting that officers were shocked to find multiple victims, many of whom were children. “It is understood that the children were attending a Taylor Swift event at a dance school when the offender, armed with a knife, walked into the premises and started to attack the children,” she said.

She added that the adults injured were bravely attempting to protect the children. Kennedy, a mother and grandmother, expressed her heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims.

The attack has drawn widespread shock and sympathy, with The King and Prime Minister leading tributes. The King stated that he and his wife were “profoundly shocked” by the “utterly horrific incident,” sending heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer echoed these sentiments, highlighting the nation’s deep shock and expressing gratitude to the emergency services for their response.

Journalist Tim Johnson from Eye on Southport reported the attack occurred at the Hope of Hart children’s club, housed in a former warehouse building. He described the scene as “horrendous” with numerous emergency vehicles and emotional first responders.

Alder Hey Children’s Hospital declared a “major incident,” and the North West Ambulance Service dispatched 13 ambulances to the scene. Dave Kitchin, head of operations at the ambulance service, described the scene as “devastating,” acknowledging the lasting impact on the community.

Business owner Colin Parry, who witnessed the aftermath, likened the scene to a “horror movie,” noting the community’s collective effort to protect and save the children.

The Prince and Princess of Wales expressed their horror and sympathy, emphasising the unimaginable pain faced by the families involved. Everton and Liverpool football clubs also offered their condolences, uniting in support of the Southport community.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Southport MP Patrick Hurley voiced their concerns and hopes for the best outcomes for those injured. Mayor of Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, urged the public to avoid spreading unconfirmed information.

Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell and Sefton Council Leader Marion Atkinson expressed their shock and sadness, pledging support for the affected community in the coming days and weeks.

The 17-year-old suspect remains in custody, with Merseyside Police continuing their investigation to understand the motive behind this tragic incident.

Commenting on the events in Southport, the Prince and Princess of Wales said: “As parents, we cannot begin to imagine what the families, friends and loved ones of those killed and injured in Southport today are going through. We send our love, thoughts and prayers to all those involved in this horrid and heinous attack. Thank you also to the emergency responders who, despite being met with the most horrific scenes, demonstrated compassion and professionalism when your community needed you most. “

Crime

Former police superintendent dismissed for gross misconduct

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Misogynistic behaviour spanned three years, hearing told

A FORMER senior officer has been dismissed from Dyfed-Powys Police following a gross misconduct hearing which found he had engaged in inappropriate and misogynistic behaviour towards female colleagues.

Gary Davies, who held the rank of Superintendent, had been suspended since July 2022 while an investigation was carried out into a series of allegations relating to his conduct between 2017 and 2020.

A Gross Misconduct Hearing was held at Dyfed-Powys Police Headquarters between 24 March and 4 April 2025. The hearing was chaired by Legally Qualified Chair, Mr Oliver Thorne.

The panel found that Davies had breached multiple standards of professional behaviour, including Authority, Respect and Courtesy, Discreditable Conduct, and Equality and Diversity. As a result, he has been dismissed from the force and placed on the College of Policing Barred List, which prevents him from returning to the police service.

Deputy Chief Constable Ifan Charles, who serves as the Appropriate Authority for complaints and misconduct within Dyfed-Powys Police, issued a formal statement following the outcome.

He said: “Dyfed-Powys Police expects the highest standards of professional behaviour from its officers and staff, both on and off duty – and especially from those in senior leadership roles.
“I apologise to the former and current officers and staff who were subjected to inappropriate behaviour by former Superintendent Gary Davies, and I thank them for their courage in coming forward.
“Over the past two weeks, we have heard accounts from a number of colleagues, the majority of whom are women, who experienced unacceptable misogynistic conduct during the course of their duties.
“They are role models, and I commend the integrity and bravery they have shown throughout this process.
“This case is deeply concerning and will understandably cause unease within the organisation. I want to reassure all staff and the wider public that immediate action was taken when allegations were made, and the matter has been treated with the utmost seriousness.
“The outcome of today’s hearing reflects our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of conduct in policing. We will continue to use all available measures to ensure those unfit to hold the office of constable are removed swiftly and efficiently.”

Davies’s name was officially added to the Barred List on Friday (Apr 4), the day the hearing concluded.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys, Dafydd Llywelyn: told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “The public rightly expects the highest standards from those who serve in policing.  Former Superintendent Gary Davies actions fell short of these expectations, and their dismissal reflects our commitment to integrity, professionalism, and public trust. There is no place in Dyfed-Powys Police for those who undermine these values.

“I would like to thank current and former staff and officers who came forward to report this misconduct.  I appreciate that this must have been incredibly difficult, but their courage has been vital in ensuring accountability and upholding the standards the public deserve.”

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Crime

Haverfordwest resident denies assault on partner during birthday break

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A HAVERFORDWEST man has gone on trial accused of attacking his partner while on holiday in Pembrokeshire.

John Roberts, aged 51, of Barn Street, appeared at Swansea Crown Court charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage.

The incident is alleged to have taken place on August 24 last year at a shepherd’s hut in Rosemarket, where the couple were staying to celebrate the complainant’s birthday.

Roberts is accused of grabbing his partner by the hair and banging her head against a wall, before damaging a fireplace inside the property. He denies both charges.

Opening the case, prosecutor Emily Bennett told the jury that Roberts and the complainant had been in a relationship for twelve years and were enjoying a holiday following a family barbecue.

She said that shortly after midnight, Roberts’ “mood changed,” and he allegedly launched the attack.

The jury heard that the complainant managed to escape, locked herself in the bathroom and called the police. When she later emerged, Roberts had left the property — taking one of their dogs and the keys with him — and she noticed the fireplace had been damaged.

Roberts was arrested later that day. In police interview, he denied assaulting the woman or causing any damage, claiming she had “started on him” after accusing him of being unfaithful.

The trial, before Judge Wayne Beard, continues.

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Crime

Fined for dropping cigarette at Milford Haven Tesco

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A LLANELLI man who dropped a cigarette outside Tesco in Milford Haven has been fined over £570 after failing to attend court.

Mark Evens, aged 42, of Llys Westfa, Llanelli, was found guilty in his absence at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 3).

The court heard that on September 3, 2024, Evens discarded a cigarette butt in a public place to which section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 applied.

He was fined £220 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £88 and prosecution costs of £266.66. A collection order was made, and the full balance of £574.66 must be paid by May 1.

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