News

Evidence gaps leave jury unable to determine Morriston blast cause

Published

9 months ago

September 16, 2025

EVIDENCE taken away from the wreckage of a fatal house explosion meant an inquest jury could not say what caused the blast, a hearing in Swansea concluded on Monday (Sept 15).

Brian Davies, 68, died when his home on Clydach Road, Morriston, was destroyed on Monday, 13 March 2023. Three people — including a 14-year-old next door — were taken to hospital.

FAMILY ‘LET DOWN’

At Swansea Guildhall, the jury returned a narrative conclusion after hearing that key material had been removed during the urgent search for Mr Davies, who was found in the kitchen area some six hours after the explosion. His family told the inquest they felt “let down” by “major mistakes” in the investigation.

Coroner Aled Gruffydd apologised that the cause could not be established and said he would write to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and police about evidence preservation in future cases.

WHAT WAS KEPT — AND LOST

Jurors heard that police retained the gas boiler, cooker and meter for examination. However, large volumes of debris were taken to a recycling centre and disposed of, leaving the available evidence “compromised and incomplete”.

A representative for Wales & West Utilities (WWU) said responsibility for securing the scene and gathering exhibits rested with police.

GAS LEAK A ‘VIABLE CAUSE’

An HSE principal gas engineer said the destruction was typical of a severe gas explosion and that a leak in a nearby gas main was “a viable cause”. He added he could not rule out a leak within the property because some potential evidence was no longer available.

A letting agent told the hearing the rented home was inspected five months before the blast and no gas issues were recorded. The jury was shown images of Mr Davies’ cooker in a disconnected state; the agent said the agency had not arranged that disconnection.

A post-mortem found Mr Davies died from injuries to his neck and chest.

NEIGHBOURS DESCRIBE IMPACT

Next-door neighbour Claire Bennett said she had smelled gas in the area for around a fortnight before the explosion. She described a “massive bang”, after which her living room filled with debris as ceilings and walls collapsed. Ms Bennett and her son Ethan have since received therapy for PTSD.

Former postman Jonathan Roberts told the inquest he heard the explosion as he drove past; CCTV showed smoke and debris erupting immediately.

WWU’s chief operating officer, Rob Long, offered condolences to Mr Davies’ family and said the company’s thoughts remained with everyone affected.

In a statement, Mr Davies’ relatives said they were deeply saddened by his loss and felt let down after key evidence was lost. They welcomed the coroner’s decision to report on evidence-preservation issues, hoping no other family endures the same ordeal.

(Image: BBC)

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

1 hour ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

1 hour ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.