News

Family dog killed 6-day-old baby

Published

12 years ago

February 27, 2014

A FAMILY has been devastated by the loss of their six-day-old baby girl after their pet dog bit its head causing fatal injuries.

The terrified mother, Sharon John, ran into the street shouting: “I don’t know what to do, the dog ate my baby’s head”.

The family’s Alaskan Malamute, which is not covered by the dangerous dogs act and is often described as affectionate, loyal and a devoted companion, has since been seized by the police. The dogs were originally bred as sled dogs for work in the Arctic, but are now popular as family pets. Sharon’s partner, Patric Mullane, had brought the dog home after a night out several months earlier after someone had said that they were getting rid of it.

Eliza-Mae was born at Glangwilli Hospital last Wednesday but was only allowed home at the weekend after spending three days in intensive care following her birth.

Medics were called to the house in Pontyberem, Carmarthenshire at around 8.30am on Tuesday and were shocked when they saw the extent of the injuries. Chief Inspector Ieuan Matthews said at the scene that the girl was dead by the time the ambulance arrived.

Neighbours have also been left in a state of disbelief at what has happened saying that the dog seemed harmless and never thought it would be capable of doing such a thing.

Patricia Punter told reporters: “It was terrible, I’ve never heard anything like it. Sharon was in a state of shock and just screaming. She’d only just brought her home. It’s just awful, they loved their dogs as much as their children.

“God only knows what has gone on in there, but Sharon was in bits. She was with a policeman and they wouldn’t let her back in the house”.

Other locals said that the dog was not savage and added that the family would tie up the dog outside the supermarket before they went inside and children would often stroke it.

Another neighbour told reporters the dog had escaped the night before the tragedy as a nearby bitch was in season. He said: “Someone found it and took it home. Perhaps the dog was feeling wound up.”

Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.

Patric and Sharon, who moved from Ireland ten years ago, were taken from their home to be interviewed by cops after the horrifying events.

Officers confirmed a post-mortem examination will be carried out to investigate the cause of the death before they would confirm that it was a dog attack.

A spokesman from Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Clearly, our sympathies are with the family at this tragic time and we have specialist officers who are supporting them. All I would ask is that you give them time and space to grieve”.

Crime

Police probe ball bearing damage in Haverfordwest

Published

13 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are investigating reports of criminal damage in Haverfordwest after suspected metal ball bearings were used to damage a vehicle and a property.

Dyfed-Powys Police said damage was caused to the wing mirror of a blue Range Rover Evoque on Glenfields Road sometime between 11:10am and 11:20am on Sunday, May 10.

Officers believe metal ball bearings may have been used.

A second incident was reported at around 2:30pm on Tuesday, May 12, when the window of a property on Glenfields Road was allegedly struck by a suspected metal ball bearing.

Police said local officers are continuing to speak with residents after receiving a number of calls about ball bearings being found in the Glenfields Road and Old Hakin Road areas.

Anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information that could help the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: 26*375605.

Crime

Stolen vehicle investigation after late-night crash in Waterston

Published

14 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A VEHICLE involved in a late-night single-vehicle crash in Waterston, Milford Haven, is believed to have been stolen, police have confirmed.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers received a report of the collision at around 11:55pm on Sunday (May 17).

The vehicle was recovered at approximately 1:15am on Monday (May 18), but nobody was found at the scene.

Following enquiries, police established that the vehicle had reportedly been stolen at some point during Sunday evening.

Officers said enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

News

Labour names Senedd spokesperson team after election defeat

Published

15 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Ken Skates says group will focus on holding new Welsh Government to account

INTERIM Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates has unveiled the party’s Senedd spokesperson team following its defeat in the recent election.

Mr Skates will act as interim leader of Welsh Labour and spokesperson for health, care and national security.

He said the Labour group would draw on “extensive experience” while bringing “fresh energy and ideas” to its work in opposition.

The party said its Senedd group was committed to holding the new Welsh Government to account and pushing for practical results for the people of Wales.

Jayne Bryant MS has been appointed spokesperson for housing, communities, public and preventative health, with women’s health also included in her brief.

Mike Hedges MS will cover culture, sport, local government and legislation.

Vikki Howells MS becomes Chief Whip and spokesperson for environment, farming, energy and transport. Her portfolio also includes planning.

Lynne Neagle MS has been named Business Manager and spokesperson for children, education and lifelong learning.

Shav Taj MS will cover employment, equalities and economic transformation, including social partnership.

Huw Thomas MS has been appointed spokesperson for finance, democracy, citizenship and the Welsh language. Regional and city deals will also fall within his brief.

Welsh Labour said Sarah Murphy’s portfolio will be announced when she returns from maternity leave.

A photo call with the Welsh Labour Senedd Group is due to take place in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday (May 19), although no interviews will be available.