News

Dyfed-Powys officers deployed on mutual aid to Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Published

2 years ago

August 13, 2024

POLICE officers from across Dyfed-Powys Police have headed across the Channel to provide mutual aid at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The force is contributing to the UK policing support at the games in France, with four officers and a police dog deployed to the eight-week event.

Sergeant Grace Coburn from Newtown, PC Sophie Webber from Haverfordwest, PC Sophie Maliphant from Carmarthen, and explosive detection dog handler PC Mike Barnsley with PD Doug have each played their part in the security and engagement operation. While in France, they have carried out general patrols in and around key Olympic sites, ensuring the safety of venues and spectators.

PC Mike Barnsley, who has 11 years of service with Dyfed-Powys, has been based on the outskirts of Paris with his Doug, and has been working with his UK counterparts searching Olympic venues during the games.

He said: “It’s a privilege to represent Dyfed-Powys while working with other law enforcement agencies from around the world at the Paris 2024 Olympics.”

Sgt Grace Coburn has been working in Versailles during the golf tournaments alongside PC Sophie Maliphant and PC Sophie Webber, and said visitors were amazed to see Welsh officers working at the event.

“Heddlu must be tending on Google as a common search, as so many people have walked past us, googled what it means and then come back amazed that we’re from Wales,” she said.

“It’s a great experience, and we are all very thankful to have this opportunity.”

PC Sophie Maliphant added: “I’ve had a fantastic experience working at the Olympic Games along with two colleagues from Dyfed-Powys. We have been fortunate to work alongside the Italian Carabinieri, the Spanish Civil Guard and the Gendarmerie, policing and patrolling the golf course during the tournament.

“I have made some wonderful memories, and will be forever grateful to be a part of the international policing team for the Paris 2024 Olympics.”

While in France, the officers have also had the chance to meet with dignitaries, with PC Barnsley and PD Doug invited to the British Embassy and meeting other dog handlers from the New York Police Department, and Sgt Coburn, PC Webber and PC Maliphant meeting the joint director of international security.

Around 35,000 police and gendarmes were expected to be mobilised each day during the games, with a peak of 45,000 expected for the opening ceremony. The UK deployment also included volunteer special constables.

At home, police forces have also been working with local partners to help support Olympic and Paralympic events and fan zones at a range of locations.

Hwyl fawr Dyfed-Powys, bonjour La France!

News

Baby in critical condition after Fishguard emergency

Published

10 minutes ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Teenagers arrested as police investigate circumstances

A BABY remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition after being taken from Fishguard by air ambulance following a medical emergency at a property.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers received information that the baby had been taken to hospital in the early evening of Saturday (May 2).

Police were formally informed of the incident at around 10:10pm the same evening.

An investigation into the circumstances is underway.

A man and a woman, both aged eighteen, were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

They have since been released on conditional bail while enquiries continue.

No further details have been released at this stage.

Entertainment

Hubberston Girls exhibition launches new space at Waterfront Gallery

Published

53 minutes ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NEW exhibition exploring memories of growing up on a council estate has opened at the Waterfront Gallery in Milford Haven.

Artist Lynn Stuart is launching the gallery’s new exhibition space with her solo show, Hubberston Girls, which runs until Saturday, May 30.

The exhibition features a deeply personal series of works drawn and painted on brown paper. The material was chosen for its connection to everyday memories, including lunch bags and magazines wrapped in paper.

Once oiled, the paper becomes semi-transparent, allowing paint to be applied to the reverse and creating layered, intimate images.

The Waterfront Gallery is extending its opening hours for the exhibition and will be open Monday to Saturday, from 10:30am to 4:00pm.

A private view will be held on Thursday, May 14, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, and all are welcome.

The gallery is based in the Old Sail Loft on Discovery Quay, Milford Waterfront, Milford Haven. It is one of south west Wales’s leading art galleries, a registered charity, and home to the Wales Contemporary annual competition.

The gallery is run by artist volunteers who exhibit there regularly.

Community

Vintage tractor tour sets off from Pembroke Dock for Ireland

Published

2 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FIFTY-three vintage tractors left Pembroke Dock Ferry Port on Saturday (May 2) as part of a long-running tractor tour to Ireland.

The group boarded the ferry for the latest stage of an exchange which has been running since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.

Organiser Alun Mason said: “The Tour of Ireland has been ongoing since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.

“A large contingent travelled from Ireland and continue to do so every other year, with our visit this weekend and the Irish tractors due to visit in 2027.”

Some of the tractors taking part travelled from as far as Burry Port, Bridgend, Llandrindod Wells, Llandovery and Ceredigion before gathering at the ferry port.

The event brought together vintage tractor enthusiasts from across Wales ahead of the crossing to Ireland.

Pictured are organisers Jo Richards and Alun Mason, and the group waiting to embark at Pembroke Dock Ferry Port.