Crime
Southport Stabbing: Two children dead and Cardiff-born teen arrested
TWO children have died, and nine others were injured, six critically, in a “ferocious” knife attack at a children’s dance workshop in Southport. The incident took place at a Taylor Swift-themed event on Hart Street, leaving two adults in critical condition after attempting to protect the children, Merseyside Police have confirmed.
A 17-year-old boy, originally from Cardiff but now residing in Banks, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. Police have stated that the motivation behind the attack remains “unclear” but is not being treated as terror-related.
Emergency services were alerted to the incident at 11:47 BST, marking the first full week of the school summer holidays for many children across the UK. Armed response vehicles, 13 ambulances, and the fire service rushed to the dance class for children aged six to ten.
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy described the scene as “horrendous,” noting that officers were shocked to find multiple victims, many of whom were children. “It is understood that the children were attending a Taylor Swift event at a dance school when the offender, armed with a knife, walked into the premises and started to attack the children,” she said.
She added that the adults injured were bravely attempting to protect the children. Kennedy, a mother and grandmother, expressed her heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims.
The attack has drawn widespread shock and sympathy, with The King and Prime Minister leading tributes. The King stated that he and his wife were “profoundly shocked” by the “utterly horrific incident,” sending heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer echoed these sentiments, highlighting the nation’s deep shock and expressing gratitude to the emergency services for their response.
Journalist Tim Johnson from Eye on Southport reported the attack occurred at the Hope of Hart children’s club, housed in a former warehouse building. He described the scene as “horrendous” with numerous emergency vehicles and emotional first responders.
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital declared a “major incident,” and the North West Ambulance Service dispatched 13 ambulances to the scene. Dave Kitchin, head of operations at the ambulance service, described the scene as “devastating,” acknowledging the lasting impact on the community.
Business owner Colin Parry, who witnessed the aftermath, likened the scene to a “horror movie,” noting the community’s collective effort to protect and save the children.
The Prince and Princess of Wales expressed their horror and sympathy, emphasising the unimaginable pain faced by the families involved. Everton and Liverpool football clubs also offered their condolences, uniting in support of the Southport community.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Southport MP Patrick Hurley voiced their concerns and hopes for the best outcomes for those injured. Mayor of Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, urged the public to avoid spreading unconfirmed information.
Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell and Sefton Council Leader Marion Atkinson expressed their shock and sadness, pledging support for the affected community in the coming days and weeks.
The 17-year-old suspect remains in custody, with Merseyside Police continuing their investigation to understand the motive behind this tragic incident.
Commenting on the events in Southport, the Prince and Princess of Wales said: “As parents, we cannot begin to imagine what the families, friends and loved ones of those killed and injured in Southport today are going through. We send our love, thoughts and prayers to all those involved in this horrid and heinous attack. Thank you also to the emergency responders who, despite being met with the most horrific scenes, demonstrated compassion and professionalism when your community needed you most. “
Crime
Police appeal after male hospitalised in Castle Square assault
POLICE are investigating an incident which occurred at about 1.05am, Sunday, September 1.
A 23-year-old man was taken to hospital with head injuries following the incident on Castle Square, Haverfordwest.
A 21-year old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and later released on condition bail pending further police enquiries.
Anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to Dyfed-Powys Police, either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.
Quote reference: 36 of the 1st.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
Crime
Carmarthenshire County Council gets tough on littering and environmental offences
CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL reaffirms its dedication to ensuring a clean and safe environment by issuing a number of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) and enforcement actions throughout August 2024. These actions address violations of environmental regulations, including littering, fly-tipping, improper waste disposal, and vehicle abandonment.
Littering Offences – £125 FPNs
The Environmental Enforcement Team issued £125 FPNs for various littering offences across the county:
- Morrisons Recycling Facility, Trostre: A female resident of Penlan, Bryn, Llanelli was issued an FPN for leaving a carrier bag containing a plate on the ground.
Morrisons Recycling Facility, Llanelli: A female resident of Heol Gwyr, Llanelli was issued an FPN for abandoning a black bag containing a fan surround at the site.
Burry Port Recycling Facility: A female resident of Heol Gwendraeth, Burry Port was issued an FPN for leaving a cardboard box on the ground.
Morrisons Recycling Facility, Trostre: A female resident of Brynhyfryd was issued an FPN for depositing a bag of glass on the ground.
Tesco Extra, Llanelli: A male resident from Felinfoel was issued an FPN for discarding McDonald’s packaging near the clothing banks.
St Clears Bring Site: A female resident of St Clears was issued an FPN for leaving a cardboard box containing broken glass on the ground.
Morrisons Carmarthen: A female resident of Ponthenry was fined for depositing a carrier bag full of household waste at the recycling facility.
Abandonment of a Vehicle – £200 FPN - Pwll, Llanelli: A male resident of Swansea was fined £200 for abandoning a vehicle in the Pwll area.
Fly-Tipping – £400 FPN - St Clears Bring Site: A male resident of Carmarthen Town was issued a £400 FPN for fly-tipping multiple cardboard boxes, books, and household waste, including a black and blue bag, at the site.
Waste Receptacle Offences – £100 FPNs - Several residents were issued £100 FPNs for failing to comply with waste receptacle regulations.
- Carmarthen (Sycamore Way): A female resident was fined for placing her waste out on the incorrect day.
Ammanford: A resident was issued an FPN for placing waste in the incorrect location.
Llanelli (Burry Street): A female resident was issued an FPN for placing dirty items, including used puppy pads, in blue recycling bags and for incorrect waste collection timing.
Carmarthen (Belvedere Avenue): A female resident was issued an FPN for placing glass and contaminated items in blue recycling bags.
Llanelli (Station Road): A female resident was issued an FPN for placing contaminated waste in blue bags on the wrong day and time.
Llanelli (Stafford Street): Two female residents were issued FPNs for placing dirty items and food waste in blue recycling bags.
Llanelli (Burry Street): Another female resident was issued an FPN for placing textiles and dirty items in blue bags and for incorrect waste collection timing.
Carmarthen (Belvedere Avenue): A resident was issued an FPN for placing black and blue bags out on the wrong day and contaminating blue recycling bags.
Prosecutions
Carmarthenshire County Council successfully prosecuted two individuals for littering offences:
- Water Street, Carmarthen: On 3rd January 2024, Mr. Martin Robert Tucker of Penrhiwllan, Llandysul, was witnessed throwing a cigarette butt from his vehicle. Despite being offered the opportunity to pay a £125 FPN, Mr. Tucker failed to do so. The case was referred to the magistrates, resulting in a £270 fine, £300 in costs, and an £88 victim surcharge.
- Vaughan Street, Llanelli: Mr. Stuart Allen, a Llanelli resident, was seen discarding a cigarette end in January 2024. After failing to pay the £125 Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN), the case was brought to court. Mr. Allen was then issued a £120 FPN, and the magistrates imposed £200 in court costs and a £48 victim surcharge.
- Enforcement Notices Issued
In August 2024, Carmarthenshire County Council issued:
- 39 Section 46 Notices under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 for failure to adhere to waste disposal regulations.
- 12 Section 47 Notices under the same act for offences related to commercial and industrial waste disposal.
- Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation, and Sustainability, said:
“These enforcement actions demonstrate our ongoing commitment to protecting the environment. We urge residents to adhere to waste disposal regulations and to report any offences.”
Residents are encouraged to report fly-tipping or other environmental violations through the Council’s website or by calling 01267 234567.
Crime
Jealous Milford Haven boyfriend jailed for coercive control
A MAN has been sentenced to prison for coercive control after subjecting his partner to a campaign of manipulation and control. Wayne Davies, formerly of Milford Haven, was handed an 18-week prison sentence at Swansea Crown Court after admitting to a series of controlling behaviours.
Davies, 47, who had been living with his partner in Milford Haven, initially denied the charges but changed his plea to guilty on the first day of his trial. The court heard that he had been in custody since his arrest in March, and with time already served, it is likely he will be released imminently.
The case revolved around Davies’ behaviour towards his partner between 1 October 2023 and 3 March 2024. The couple had met on the dating app Tinder, and Davies moved in with the woman within two months, following his eviction from his own accommodation. At first, the relationship appeared to be going well, with no apparent issues.
However, as the relationship progressed, Davies’ behaviour became increasingly controlling. Prosecutor Alycia Carpanini described how he deleted his partner’s social media accounts, including her TikTok and Facebook friends, and accused her of having relationships with her colleagues. He also changed her phone password, carried her phone around with him, and attempted to pressure her into selling her car, which held sentimental value as a gift from her late father.
The court heard how Davies’ actions had a significant impact on the woman’s well-being. In her victim statement, she described feeling “anxious, paranoid and on edge” as a result of his behaviour.
In his defence, barrister Hywel Davies highlighted his client’s vulnerabilities, stating that Davies had been diagnosed with autism and suffered from “numerical and literary deficiencies”. He argued that his time in custody had been particularly difficult, describing prison as “absolutely terrifying” for Davies, who felt vulnerable and believed that other inmates had taken advantage of him.
Mr Davies also noted that his client had lost custody of his two children while in prison, a further consequence of his actions. He urged the court to take into consideration the nearly six months Davies had already spent in custody.
Recorder Aidan Eardley KC, in passing sentence, acknowledged the distress caused by Davies’ actions, stating that his behaviour had caused “serious alarm and distress” to his former partner. Davies was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, followed by a year of post-sentence supervision.
Additionally, a five-year restraining order was imposed, forbidding Davies from contacting the woman or her mother and from approaching their home. Despite the sentence, the time already served means Davies is likely to be released soon.
This case underscores the seriousness with which the courts view coercive control, a form of domestic abuse that often goes unseen but has profound effects on victims.
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