Entertainment

BBC Wales Investigates: Death of Two Black Men: Police in the Spotlight

Published

4 years ago

January 24, 2022

TONIGHT 24/1/22, 7.30pm, BBC One Wales

THE FAMILIES of two men who died within weeks of each other after incidents involving Welsh police forces have spoken for the first time of their fight for justice.

Mohamud Hassan, 24, and Mouayed Bashir, 29, died within weeks of each other in separate incidents after coming into contact with the police.

Both their deaths sparked protests – in Cardiff and Newport – as family, friends and people in their communities expressed concerns about the circumstances of their deaths.

In January last year, police were called to the shared house in Roath, Cardiff, where Mohamud lived in a basement flat. Police arrested him on suspicion of a breach of the peace; he spent the night in a cell at Cardiff Bay police station; and was released the next morning without charge.

He saw his aunt, Zainab Hassan, and uncle, Sulieman Mohamed, after he was released.

“He came over to our house. As soon as I opened the door – literally I was shocked,” said Sulieman.

“His upper lip was completely opened. He had blood all over his top, his track-suit bottoms.”

Zainab added: “He had bruises on his arms. On his torso when he lifted his jumper, all you could see was just marks – red, black even. It was shocking.”

“I said nephew what happened to you? He’s like it’s the police. I said how and why? He said “I dunno uncle”,” said Sulieman.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating his death and the actions of six officers are being examined for alleged misconduct.

A post mortem examination failed to establish the cause of Mr Hassan’s death. The IOPC says its investigation is nearing completion; and his inquest is due to take place in May 2023.

South Wales Police said it was unable to comment on specific points due to the ongoing IOPC investigation, which it says it is fully co-operating with. It also acknowledged the impact of Mr Hassan’s death on his family, friends and wider community; and said their thoughts and condolences are with them.

Just weeks after Mohamud’s death, another young black man died after coming into contact with the police.

Mouayed Bashir died after police came to his house in Maesglas, Newport, in February 2021. His family say they were trying to get an ambulance to attend because Mouayed was having a mental health crisis – but instead the police arrived.

“He was expecting paramedics, but instead police officers in black uniform with brutal force coming in,” said Mouayed’s brother, Mohannad Bashir.

Mohamud Hassan, 24, and Mouayed Bashir, 29, died within weeks of each other in separate incidents after coming into contact with the police.

Mouayed had been stabbed three weeks before his death; and when police came to his home he still had a large, deep wound to his leg.

Mohannad added: “When the police restrained him they handcuffed him, they bound his legs and thighs. My dad was saying to the police officers “he’s already wounded. He’s bleeding again from his thigh. Please let go of his handcuffs and let go of his legs.”

A post mortem examination failed to establish Mouayed Bashir’s cause of death. The IOPC says it’s finalising its investigation into his death; and its publication will depend on discussions with the coroner. His inquest is due to be held in July.

Gwent Police said it was unable to address specific questions until the conclusion of the IOPC investigation and inquest. It pointed out that no officers have been served misconduct notices.

The force also said a risk assessment is carried out when receiving a 999 call and police officers may be asked to support paramedics. The ambulance service said it was sorry its response fell below the expectations of the Bashir family.

Mouayed Bashir’s family are planning to mark the anniversary of his death next month in Newport.

Mohannad said: “If we don’t fight and stand up for other people, for what happened to Mouayed, there’s just going to be another case. We want to do our part. We want to do this for the sake of Mouayed as well.”

The family of Mohamud Hassan will have to wait another 16 months to find out the full facts of his death.

“I can’t remember anything else about my nephew. All those lovely memories I had of him, it’s like they’ve gone. They’ve been wiped out. And I don’t have any answers. I don’t think any words can describe the pain.”

Watch BBC Wales Investigates: Death of Two Black Men: Police in the Spotlight on BBC One Wales at 19:30 GMT on Monday 24 January and afterwards on BBC iPlayer.

Entertainment

Saundersfoot Seafest to bring free family fun to the harbour this July

Published

3 days ago

May 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A FREE community festival celebrating the sea, local food, seaweed and Pembrokeshire’s coastal environment will take place at Saundersfoot Harbour this summer.

Saundersfoot Seafest will be held on Saturday, July 11, offering a full day of activities, entertainment and hands-on experiences for residents and visitors.

The event will celebrate the area’s connection with the sea, coastal heritage and locally sourced food, with live cooking demonstrations, food sampling and interactive activities exploring Pembrokeshire’s shoreline.

There will be plenty for all ages, including guided seashore safaris, sandcastle building competitions, crabbing contests, and “seaweed and chips” sessions.

The festival will also feature pirate and dog fancy dress competitions, along with interactive exhibits, retail stalls, local produce, crafts and coastal-themed displays.

Boat trips and kayaking experiences will also be available, although a small charge will apply for these activities.

Sue Latham, Coordinator of Pembrokeshire Local Food Partnership, said: “Saundersfoot Seafest is a celebration of our coastline, our communities, and the incredible food and culture that comes from living so closely connected to the sea.

“We are delighted to welcome people of all ages to join us for a free, fun-filled day by the harbour.”

The event is supported by the Welsh Government, Pembrokeshire Local Food Partnership, Pobl Tir Môr, Saundersfoot Harbour, Saundersfoot Rotary Club, WWF Cymru and Wales Festival of Seaweed.

The Wales Festival of Seaweed will also take place in St Davids from September 10 to 13.

Entertainment

Circus Mondao returns to Tenby and Pembroke Dock with spectacular new show

Published

3 days ago

May 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

CIRCUS Mondao is returning to Pembrokeshire by popular demand, bringing its traditional big top show to Tenby and Pembroke Dock.

The family circus promises a packed programme of international performers, comedy, daring stunts, showgirls, ponies and high-energy circus acts.

This year’s show includes award-winning Chilean clown Kikin, Miss Madalane’s ponies, glass balancing with Fairy Talula, fast-paced juggling from Brazil, and the Agazian Brothers from Ethiopia.

Audiences can also expect one of the most daring line-ups ever presented by Circus Mondao, including the Wheel of Death, Russian swing, Icarian games, Russian bar, chair balancing and the South American Crazy Brothers.

Organisers said the show keeps alive the atmosphere of a traditional circus while also using modern lighting, music and production.

A spokesperson for Circus Mondao said: “This is a show not to be missed. We are delighted to be returning to Tenby and Pembroke Dock with amazing artistes from around the world, including performers from Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Morocco, Chile, Spain, Ethiopia, Wales and the UK.”

The circus will be at Marsh Farm, Marsh Road, Tenby, SA70 8DU, from Wednesday, May 27 to Sunday, May 31.

Performances in Tenby will take place at 5:00pm and 7:30pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 2:00pm and 5:00pm on Saturday, and 2:00pm only on Sunday.

Circus Mondao will then move to Harlequins RFC, London Road, Pembroke Dock, from Wednesday, June 3 to Sunday, June 7.

Performances in Pembroke Dock will follow the same times: 5:00pm and 7:30pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 2:00pm and 5:00pm on Saturday, and 2:00pm only on Sunday.

Special offers include all seats for £8.50 on Wednesdays, buy one get one free on Thursdays, four seats for £45 on Fridays, children going free on Saturdays with each full-paying adult, and family tickets on Sundays for two adults and two children priced at £45, £55 or £60.

Terms and conditions apply to all offers, and they cannot be used with any other offer.

The booking office is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00am and is cash only. Tickets can also be booked online through TicketSource and LoveToVisit.

Entertainment

Green Man unveils star-studded comedy line-up for 2026 festival

Published

3 days ago

May 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Joe Lycett, Bridget Christie and Stewart Lee among big names heading to Bannau Brycheiniog as Green Man sells out months in advance

GREEN MAN Festival has revealed its comedy programme for 2026, with some of the UK’s biggest stand-up names set to join a packed line-up of music, arts and entertainment in the heart of Wales this summer.

The award-winning festival, held in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park from Thursday, August 20 to Sunday, August 23, will welcome comedians including Joe Lycett, Bridget Christie, Stewart Lee, Josie Long, Jessica Fostekew, Glenn Moore and Garth Marenghi to its much-loved Last Laugh comedy stage.

The festival’s comedy programme, hosted at the Babbling Tongues stage, will feature 39 acts ranging from household names to emerging performers, in keeping with Green Man’s long-standing reputation for showcasing new talent alongside established stars.

Leading the bill is comedian and television presenter Joe Lycett, known for Joe Lycett’s Got Your Back, Late Night Lycett, and appearances on programmes including Taskmaster, QI and Have I Got News For You.

He will be joined by comedian, actor and writer Bridget Christie, whose Channel 4 sitcom The Change won widespread praise, alongside comedy veteran Stewart Lee, returning to Green Man after topping the bill in 2025.

Other major names announced include Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Josie Long, horror-comedy favourite Garth Marenghi, stand-up Kerry Godliman, and Jessica Fostekew, whose acclaimed show Hench earned an Edinburgh Comedy Award nomination.

The programme also features rising talent including Jack Shep, recently announced as part of the cast of Saturday Night Live UK, alongside sketch act Tarot, comedian Glenn Moore and a host of newer voices from across the UK comedy circuit.

Comedy forms just one part of Green Man’s wider cultural offering, with the festival also boasting a major music programme led by headliners Mogwai, Wilco, Four Tet and Wolf Alice.

Other acts confirmed for 2026 include Cat Power, Sparks, Tricky, Mogwai, Shame, Dry Cleaning, Aldous Harding, The Beta Band, Cate Le Bon and Mannequin Pussy.

Green Man, now in its third decade, remains Wales’ largest independent music, science and arts festival, attracting around 25,000 people daily to the Black Mountains area of Powys.

Festival organisers said all tickets for Green Man 2026 sold out within an hour of release in September 2025, although official resale tickets remain available through the festival’s approved resale platform.

Known for combining music with literature, film, science, wellness and family-friendly attractions, Green Man continues to draw visitors from across the UK and beyond while generating millions for the Welsh economy each year.

Fiona Stewart, founder and managing director of Green Man, has previously described the festival as a celebration of creativity and community, with a focus on supporting Welsh producers, artists and emerging talent.

For more information or resale tickets, visit Green Man Festival’s official website.

Photo caption: Green Man Festival has revealed its 2026 comedy programme, featuring major names including Joe Lycett, Bridget Christie and Stewart Lee (Pics: Green Man Festival).