POLICE are investigating after fire safety equipment was deliberately damaged at the St Govan’s Shopping Centre in Pembroke Dock.

The incident happened during the evening of Monday (Feb 2), when glass covers on several fire alarm call points inside the shopping arcade were reportedly smashed.

Centre staff said the damage posed a serious risk to public safety and warned that tampering with fire protection systems could endanger shoppers and businesses.

A spokesperson for the centre said: “This type of behaviour is extremely concerning. Damaging fire alarm equipment compromises safety and puts people at risk.

“It also leaves the centre facing unnecessary repair costs and disruption which could have been avoided.”

CCTV images have been released showing three young people who are believed to be connected to the incident. Staff are urging anyone who recognises those pictured to come forward so the matter can be addressed.

They added: “We want to make clear how dangerous this kind of behaviour is and deal with it appropriately.”

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed officers are making enquiries.

A spokesperson said: “On February 3 we received a report of criminal damage which occurred at St Govan’s Shopping Centre, Pembroke Dock, on February 2. Enquiries are ongoing.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

Ministers say £41,600.90 supported wider screen industry project — not the Watch Africa event itself

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has moved to clarify reports that more than £40,000 of public money was spent directly funding an African film festival in Cardiff, saying the payment was instead for a wider skills and diversity project across the Welsh screen industry.

Earlier figures showed that £41,600.90 was paid in February 2025 to Watch Africa CIC, the organisation associated with the annual Watch Africa Film Festival. The festival, launched in 2013, celebrates African cinema through film screenings, workshops, filmmaker discussions and cultural showcases.

However, the Welsh Government has told The Herald that none of the funding was allocated specifically to the festival itself.

In a statement issued to this newspaper, ministers said the money was instead provided to support Culture Connect Wales, a broader industry partnership initiative aimed at improving skills and promoting diversity within Wales’ film and television sector.

A spokesperson said: “We have not provided any funding for the Watch Africa Film Festival. The £41,600.90 was provided to Watch Africa to fund Culture Connect Wales, a wider industry partnership project aimed at boosting skills and promoting diversity across the Welsh screen sector.

“The screen sector plays a major role in the Welsh economy and is a key employer. The latest industry research data for Wales’ screen sector reports that film and TV production achieved £568m turnover in 2024 and is home to 695 companies that create significant freelance and trainee opportunities for our workforce.

“Creative Wales has invested in 72 productions through Production Funding alone, generating almost half a billion pounds in economic return to the nation, and these numbers continue to grow.”

The spending had previously been questioned by Gareth Davies, the Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism, Sport and North Wales, who raised concerns about cultural funding priorities at a time of ongoing pressure on public finances and NHS waiting times.

Mr Davies said that while he supported cultural events operating in Wales, he believed limited public funds should be focused primarily on Welsh institutions and services under strain.

He also pointed to the closure of National Theatre Wales in 2024 after it lost core funding, arguing that established Welsh organisations had struggled while other projects received government support.

The Welsh Government maintains that the Culture Connect Wales programme is intended to strengthen the domestic screen industry, create jobs and improve opportunities for workers and trainees across Wales, rather than fund individual festivals.

The article has been updated to reflect this clarification.

A MAN has admitted murdering a well-known boxer and mixed martial arts fighter who was found seriously injured at a Blaenavon address.

Duane Keen, aged 47, was discovered with catastrophic injuries at a property on Riverside Drive in Blaenavon during the early hours of Thursday, October 17 last year. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Kai Pennell, aged 35, appeared before Cardiff Crown Court on Friday (Feb 6), where he pleaded guilty to murder.

He also admitted criminal damage relating to the destruction of a white Suzuki Swift belonging to Rebecca Phillips. A further allegation of making threats to kill will not proceed to trial.

Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke told the court that only a life sentence can be imposed for murder, with the minimum term to be decided at a later hearing. Pennell, of Riverside Drive, was remanded in custody and will return to court for sentencing on February 24.

Police were called to the address shortly after 2:00am. Witnesses reported armed officers, paramedics and an air ambulance attending, while the street was sealed off as forensic teams began their investigation.

In a statement, Gwent Police previously confirmed a major emergency response had been launched following reports of serious violence.

Family members paid tribute to Mr Keen, describing him as a dedicated sportsman and a loyal friend.

They said: “Duane was a talented boxer and MMA all-rounder with lots of belts to his name. He would help anyone who needed it and was always at the end of a phone.

“He loved being with his dogs and out walking with them. Duane will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. There are no words to express what we as a family are going through.

“Duane, you were a champ in the ring, but you were the biggest champ to us.”

The court heard that sentencing will take place later this month, when the judge will determine how long Pennell must serve before he can be considered for release.

Further details of the circumstances surrounding the killing are expected to be outlined at that hearing.