News

Milford Haven: Apocalyptic scenes as work truck catches fire in Meyler Crescent

Published

4 years ago

March 1, 2021

A MILFORD HAVEN businessman says that he is “absolutely gutted”, after he lost his tipper truck in a dramatic fire overnight.

Callum Hicks, of Meyler Crescent, was woken just after 1am on Monday morning (Mar 1) to see his vehicle in flames, with fuel running down the street on fire.

The apocalyptic scenes brought neighbours out of their homes and the fire brigade was quickly called and put out the blaze.

At this time the police and fire brigade are not suspecting foul play, but in a telephone call to a Herald reporter Callum Hicks said that he thought it was impossible that the vehicle would just spontaneously combust.

Work van: Callum Hicks with his truck, which he says was his “pride and joy”

Explaining that he thought his truck had been set on fire deliberately, he said: “There was CCTV of the fire, but its a football pitch length away, with a white van parked blocking the view of the camera. There was not a clear uninterrupted view.”

“I parked the truck at 2pm on Sunday afternoon so it was 11 hours before the fire started. The vehicle was therefore cold, and locked up.”

Firefighters at the scene

The Herald has asked two mechanics, one of whom has worked on Transit vans for decades. The first said: “It is very unlikely that a vehicle like this would catch fire on it’s own – its impossible – I am 99.9% sure that this was arson.”

The second, a specialist in vehicle electronics said: “There are so many fuses and fail safes its highly unlikely for diesel vans to burst into flames like this without some kind of catalyst.”

Burned out shell: The vehicle after the fire

“There have been issues regarding Transits in the past, even a product recall involving a fire risk from a towing module. But, the chances are a million to one of it catching fire after being parked up for almost twelve hours. It just doesn’t happen.”

The Herald asked Callum Hicks if he could think of anyone who may want to torch his truck. He said that he could not think of anyone who would do such a thing.

Commenting on the police handling of the matter, he said: “They told my missus, Rhianna Pearce, that they were not taking matters further because it was just an accident – its not!”

“I have been in trouble with the police before, and they know I am a bit of a boy, but I think this is the reason that the police are not looking into this properly.

“At the end of the day this was a large fire in a residential area, lives could have been in danger. I have lost thousands because I was insured third-party only and I do not have cover for fire.

Dyfed-Powys Police and Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service have been asked for a comment.

Business

Ascona CEO honoured at 2024 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards

Published

11 mins ago

November 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ASCONA GROUP, the seventh-largest independent forecourt operator in the UK and one of Wales’ fastest-growing companies for the past three years, has achieved a significant milestone. Darren Briggs, CEO and founder, has been recognised at the 2024 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards, securing wins in two prestigious categories: ‘Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year – Wales’ and the inaugural ‘Randall Foundation Entrepreneur of the Year – Wales.’

Celebrating its 12th anniversary, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards highlight innovators and trailblazers shaping the UK economy. The newly introduced ‘Randall Foundation Entrepreneur of the Year’ award celebrates business leaders whose ventures align with the foundation’s mission to save lives, improve life chances, and positively impact local communities.

Pembrokeshire-based Ascona’s commitment to community support has been a cornerstone of its success. The company established The Ascona Foundation in 2020 and has since donated over £400,000 to local, national, and community organisations.

Reflecting on the achievement, Darren Briggs said:
“It is a great honour to be recognised with such prestigious awards at this year’s Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

“I am incredibly proud of Ascona and everything we have achieved over the years. This is another milestone for our business and a testament to the hard work, commitment, and ethos of ‘Team Ascona.’

“However, I am most proud of our charitable endeavours and the team’s dedication to giving back. This year, we remain committed to our fundraising efforts, including our partnership with Wales Air Ambulance, as we continue to support the communities we serve.”

Since its founding, Ascona Group has focused on driving innovation in the forecourt sector while fostering community engagement. This dual commitment to growth and giving back has positioned the company as a leader in its field.

Ascona’s charitable initiatives have supported various causes, enhancing lives across Wales and beyond. Through partnerships with organisations such as Wales Air Ambulance, the Group continues to make a tangible difference.

Darren Briggs’ recognition at the awards underscores Ascona’s impact on both the business world and the communities it serves.

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

1 day ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

2 days ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.