News
Tragic death of a child in Haverfordwest shocks community as ‘mother’ arrested
FORENSIC investigators spent all of last night at a top-floor flat on Upper Market Street, following the death of a seven-year-old boy in Haverfordwest. Pembrokeshire’s county town is in shock after the incident, which has led to the arrest of a woman, believed to be the mother of the child.
Police vans lined the street outside the mixed retail and residential building, where neighbours and passersby have started laying flowers.
A neighbour, who preferred to remain anonymous, described witnessing paramedics responding to the incident, a sight that he said he found deeply upsetting.
The police confirmed the arrest of the woman soon after the incident. Neighbours know her as a reserved Asian woman, a single mother raising two children under challenging circumstances.
The ground floor of the building, formerly a physiotherapy studio and gym known as TriExercise, is a familiar landmark in the town’s Upper Market Street. Dr. Sean Phelan, a 69-year-old hospital doctor living next door, expressed his shock, noting that the woman was always quite friendly, although he did not know her well.
He mentioned never seeing a man at the residence and described the children as well-looked-after and well-behaved.
The street was sealed off by police at approximately 10.45 am on Wednesday, following an emergency call.
This closure impacted local businesses, including a nearby Samaritans charity shop, which had to lock up for the day. The offices of Preseli-Pembrokeshire Welsh Assembly member Paul Davies and Preseli-Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb are also located just a few doors away from the scene.
Questions about why the child was at home, given that schools had reopened earlier in the week, add to the mystery surrounding the incident.
Lee Evans, 39, a resident opposite the property, commented on the changing atmosphere of the street, noting the woman’s reluctance to engage with neighbours.
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson stated that the investigation into the circumstances leading to the child’s death is ongoing.
The police confirmed that the seven-year-old was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival on Wednesday.
Expressing condolences to the family, the spokesperson confirmed that a woman is in police custody on suspicion of murder.
This incident has left a profound impact on the Haverfordwest community, with many grappling to understand how such a tragedy could occur in their midst.
Our thoughts are with the bereaved at this tragic time.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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