News

Explosions rock Wiston

Published

10 years ago

April 12, 2014

A TEENAGER from Wiston, who has been described as “desperate to join the Army” may have lost both of his hands, but is in a stable condition, after an explosion rocked his parent’s home on Thursday morning.

Jordan Smith, age 19, was seriously injured in the blast, and was airlifted to Morriston hospital by the Wales Air Ambulance at an incident which took place at around 11am. He had just completed an army preparation course at Pembrokeshire College, and was known for enjoying dressing up in camouflage gear.

Bomb disposal experts were on standby, and police cordoned the road between Wiston and Crundale. Around four neighbouring homes were evacuated as a precaution.

Neighbours told The Herald that Jordan Smith had joined the Army last year but had not got through his course because he “Wasn’t focused properly on his training”.

Mr Bernie Jones, 67, said: “There was some sort of an explosion and it looks like Jordan has suffered bad hand injuries. Police threw a cordon up around the entire village and the bomb squad moved in. Jordan was interested in the Army and had wanted to join up since he was a young boy. The Army is definitely his orientation. He was very keen and and hoped to be accepted.”

The Smith family moved to Pembrokeshire six years ago from Stoke-on-Trent. They converted the old farm buildings into two new homes called Potters Barn, after The Potteries, a nick name for their home town.

He lived at one of he converted barns with his parents Anthony and Rita Smith, who until recently were directors of a cleaning company.

Local resident Fiona Morgan, said: “Neighbours said there was an almighty bang and a bad smell. There’s been a lot of police and sniffer dogs.”

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesman told The Herald: “Dyfed-Powys Police are continuing to investigate an incident that occurred in Wiston, Pembrokeshire yesterday – where a man sustained a non life threatening injury. He remains in hospital in a stable condition. The incident occurred in a field on the property. Searches of the land and associated buildings continue, and some bird scaring equipment has been seized from the premises. The 19 year old man has been arrested on suspicion of an explosive related offence. Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with this matter.”

Blast scene: The Potteries, Wiston, Pembrokeshire

Community

Water supply disruption in Hakin, Milford Haven due to burst pipe

Published

6 mins ago

May 2, 2024

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS of Hakin in Milford Haven may be facing water supply issues after a burst water main was discovered in the area. Dwr Cymru Welsh Water has confirmed the incident, which has occurred on their network, and is likely to affect the water pressure or result in a complete cut-off.

The company issued a notification at 11:53 AM today (May 2), detailing the problem and advising local residents of possible low water pressure or a lack of water supply until the issue is resolved. The affected post code is SA73 3AB, where the burst pipe was located.

The status of the repair work is currently at ‘Stage 1 – Investigation’, with both the estimated start and completion of the repair set for today, May 2nd, 2024. Dwr Cymru Welsh Water has apologised for any inconvenience caused by the incident and urges residents to check their website for updates.

Local authorities and emergency services are coordinating to minimise the disruption and ensure that residents have access to alternative water supplies if necessary.

Residents can stay informed by visiting the Dwr Cymru Welsh Water digital service portal or by subscribing to updates from the utility provider. The company has also provided a link for those wishing to unsubscribe from notifications, ensuring that only those directly affected or interested receive the latest updates.

Crime

Police appeal following assault outside Haverfordwest store

Published

9 mins ago

May 2, 2024

Tom Sinclair

POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an assault that happened outside B&M stores, Haverfordwest, at about 6.30pm on Tuesday, April 23.

The suspect is described as a teenage male wearing a balaclava and a cast on his wrist. He is believed to have left the location in a silver car.

The victim did not sustain any injuries.

The police have asked for assistance. Anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation is asked to get in touch with PC 1296 Clarke, either by: