FIVE people have been arrested after a teenage boy died following an incident at a property in Abertridwr.

Officers from Gwent Police were called to Lower Francis Street at around 5:45pm on Thursday (Feb 5) following reports that a 17-year-old had suffered a serious injury.

Despite the efforts of emergency services, the teenager, who was from Abertridwr, was pronounced dead at the scene.

His family has been informed and is being supported by specialist officers.

Three men — aged 26 from London, 24 from Abertridwr and 18 from Cardiff — have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Two women — aged 28 from Hereford and 24 from Senghenydd — were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

All five remain in police custody while enquiries continue.

Detective Chief Inspector Jitka Tomkova-Griffiths said officers would maintain an increased presence in the area.

She said: “We understand that reports of this nature are concerning, and residents will see more officers locally while we continue our investigation.

“It is important that people do not speculate about the identities of those involved, as this could hinder our enquiries.

“If anyone has information, please speak to officers or contact us in the usual way.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting log reference 2600038325, contact police via social media or the force website, or report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

MAJOR refurbishment work has begun at Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Glangwili Hospital after more than £2 million in funding was secured from the Welsh Government.

The £2.096m investment will be used to overhaul the hospital’s Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) unit, creating extra consultation rooms, a redesigned reception, and a more comfortable environment for both patients and staff.

Health chiefs say the expanded unit will help reduce pressure on the hospital’s busy Emergency Department by allowing more people to be treated quickly without needing an overnight stay.

The project forms part of wider efforts to improve urgent and emergency care across the health board’s sites, including the Minor Injury Unit at Prince Philip Hospital.

Keith Jones, Director of Operational Planning and Performance for the health board, said the funding would increase capacity and speed up patient flow.

He said: “This investment will help us reduce pressure on the Emergency Department and provide a smoother, swifter experience for patients. We’re grateful to Welsh Government for the support.”

Services temporarily relocated

While the work takes place, several services have moved elsewhere on the hospital site.

The SDEC unit, Discharge Lounge and Medical Day Unit have relocated to Y Lolfa, formerly Padarn Ward.

The Cancer Information and Support Service and Cancer Psychological Support Service have also moved, although contact details remain unchanged.

Some clinics, including podiatry, neuro-rehabilitation and occupational therapy, will stay at the Priory Day Hospital, but patients may need to use different access routes.

Patients are being notified through appointment letters, and extra signage will be in place around the hospital. Staff are urging visitors to check their letters carefully or contact departments directly if unsure where to attend.

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Jeremy Miles said the upgrade would help tackle overcrowding and delays.

He said: “This investment will reduce waits, ease handover pressures and improve the overall experience for patients and staff when they need urgent or emergency care.”

Work is expected to continue over the coming months.

A WEST WALES man accused of murdering his partner’s five-month-old son has told a jury he “panicked” and shook the baby in an attempt to revive him.

Thomas Morgan denies killing Jensen-Lee Dougal, who suffered catastrophic brain injuries at the family home in Clydach in March 2024.

The child was rushed to the University Hospital of Wales but died the following day in his mother’s arms.

Morgan, of Penyrheol Road, Gorseinon, is on trial at Swansea Crown Court charged with murder and three counts of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent. He denies all charges.

Opening the defence case, the court heard Morgan claims the infant had been sick after feeding and was found choking and unresponsive when he returned with fresh clothes. He said he shook the baby, tapped his back and splashed water on him in an effort to get a reaction before seeking help from a neighbour. He told jurors he could not call an ambulance because his phone was faulty.

Asked in the witness box what he physically did, Morgan said: “I completely panicked. I shook him to get a reaction out of him.” He added he did not believe he used enough force to cause harm and said it was “absolutely not” his intention to hurt the child.

Prosecutors allege the injuries were inflicted deliberately.

The jury has heard detailed medical evidence describing bleeding and swelling to the brain, bleeding to the spine and eyes, bruising to the ears and chin, multiple rib fractures and fractures to the legs, elbow, spine and foot.

Doctors said some of the rib fractures showed healing, suggesting they occurred during two separate periods — between early January and early February, and again between mid-February and the end of March.

Consultant paediatrician Dr Deborah Stalker told the court each set of injuries was rare in babies and strongly associated with non-accidental trauma. Considering the total pattern, she said they were “purposefully inflicted”, consistent with abusive head trauma such as violent shaking.

“These injuries do not occur in the course of normal handling of a baby,” she said.

She added the brain damage was so severe that Jensen-Lee would have lost consciousness and gone into cardiac arrest within minutes. An equivalent accidental force, the court heard, would be comparable to a high-speed road collision or a fall from a second-floor window.

The prosecution claims Morgan was “fired up with anger” following an earlier argument when the injuries were caused. Morgan denies losing his temper or assaulting the child.

The trial continues.