News
Fire service warns public about scam smoke alarm phone calls
RECENTLY Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service were made aware of a scam phone call made to a female resident in Pembrokeshire.
She received a phone call from a male who informed her that he had received her contact details from her energy company. He proceeded to ask if she had smoke alarms installed, which she didn’t.
He then told her that she was in breach of government regulations for not having alarms and that she could be fined for this. The scammer then offered her a special price on having a fire safety system installed in her kitchen for £80, payable over the telephone from her credit card.
Thankfully on this occasion, the resident questioned him and did not give him details of her card. He hung up. We have since received reports that he has phoned the resident for a second time.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service urges the public to be vigilant of such offers and requests for money, be they by phone, post, email or door step callers, and report any suspicions that they may have to the Citizens Advice Consumer Services on 03454 040506.
MAWWFRS provides a free of charge home fire safety service and will install home smoke alarms free of charge. To arrange a home fire safety check by the Fire Service, please phone 0800 169 1234 or visit www.mawwfire.gov.uk for further information.
Scams can take many forms and are disguised through various methods. Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service have been made aware of scams targeting households and businesses. Some scammers will even make reference that they are endorsed by a particular Fire and Rescue Service.
Karen Jones, Head of Community Safety said: “Scams can be targeted against anyone and the consequences on the victims can be extremely serious, not only can they lose out financially but there can also an impact on their health and well-being.”
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service are working with Trading Standards colleagues to raise awareness of scams and improve the safety of our communities.
The Fire and Rescue Service does recommend that all homes have working smoke alarms but the home fire safety service we offer is free and we do not charge for any of the equipment we provide.
Contact 0800 169 1234 or visit our website www.mawwfire.gov.uk for further information and advice on home safety.
If anyone has any concerns or suspicions about requests for money or personal information made through the post, telephone, e-mail or by callers they can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Services (CACS) 03454 040506 or contact their local Trading Standards department.
News
Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England
A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.
Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.
Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.
A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.
They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.
The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.
Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.
Photo caption:
Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).
Crime
Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock
Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward
DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.
Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).
Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.
A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.
Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.
Information can be provided online, by 101.
Quote reference: 212 of February 6.
Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.
Education
Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days
Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates
CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.
Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.
No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.
Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.
A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.
The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.
While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.
Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.
Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.
There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.
The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.
Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.
Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.
-
Crime2 days agoSex offender jailed after living off grid in Pembrokeshire and refusing to register
-
Health1 day agoHealth board targets rise in steroid and gym drug use across west Wales
-
News3 days agoPrincess of Wales visits historic Pembrokeshire woollen mill
-
Crime1 day agoTeacher injured and teenager arrested for attempted murder at Milford Haven School
-
Health5 days agoDoctor struck off after sexual misconduct findings at Withybush Hospital
-
Crime3 days agoHakin man’s appeal delayed again as Crown Court seeks guidance on insurance law
-
News5 days agoHerald journalists to feature in true-crime documentary on local lockdown murder
-
Education6 days agoIndustry insight helps marine cadets chart career course









