News

Welsh Government issues community safety statement following Southport tragedy

Published

2 years ago

August 10, 2024

FOLLOWING the knife attack in Southport on 29 July, which resulted in the deaths of three children and left several others critically injured, the Welsh Government has responded with a strong commitment to ensuring the safety and cohesion of communities across Wales.

The incident, which took place during a children’s dance class, has not only shaken the local community but also sparked a wave of unrest and hate crimes across the UK.

**First Minister: “I am focused on the potential for disorder and the steps needed to safeguard those who may be at risk**.”

In a written statement issued on 9 August, First Minister Eluned Morgan expressed her deepest sympathies to those affected by the tragedy and underscored the Welsh Government’s resolve to combat the rise in violence, racism, and Islamophobia that has emerged in its wake. “Wales has no place for discrimination, victimisation, harassment, or abuse,” Morgan stated. “We stand opposed to hate committed against any of our communities, including online hate.”

The First Minister highlighted the proactive measures being taken to prevent similar incidents in Wales, including high-level meetings with senior policing leads and community representatives. She noted that these discussions focused on the potential for disorder and the steps needed to safeguard those who may be at risk. “I welcome the decisive and supportive approach [policing partners] are taking to address the threat of potential disorder in our communities,” she said.

Morgan also reflected on the broader impact of the Southport attack, acknowledging the fear and anxiety it has instilled in many, particularly within Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities. She stressed the importance of unity and collective action in the face of such challenges, urging elected officials and community leaders to play their part in reassuring the public and resisting the spread of misinformation.

***Protests in England and Northern Ireland have taken significant resources to police***

In her statement, Morgan also reaffirmed the Welsh Government’s commitment to fostering cohesive, anti-racist communities through the continued implementation of the Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan. She concluded by expressing her hope that Wales will remain a “warm and welcoming nation” where all individuals can live free from fear and hatred.

The First Minister’s statement is a clear indication of the Welsh Government’s determination to protect its citizens and promote harmony in the face of adversity. It also serves as a call to action for all Welsh residents to stand against hate and support one another during these trying times.

Crime

Neighbourhood policing boosted across Dyfed-Powys

Published

4 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced a significant expansion of its Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams (NPPT), with more officers being deployed to frontline roles where demand is greatest.

From Monday (Mar 16), teams across the force area have been strengthened, with a renewed focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and preventing crime at its source.

The force says the move is aimed at reducing repeat demand by addressing the root causes of offending, rather than simply responding to incidents.

To achieve this, a number of officers have been redeployed from central departments back into frontline policing, while new posts are also being created to bolster capacity.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies, head of uniform policing, said: “These changes are about increasing frontline visibility and ensuring we have the right resources in the right places.

“They form part of a wider programme of improvements across the force to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while also supporting the wellbeing of our officers and staff.

“This is positive news for our communities, who will benefit from stronger neighbourhood teams focused on local priorities and proactive policing.”

The expansion has been made possible through Home Office funding under the Neighbourhood Guarantee scheme, which is designed to strengthen community safety and crime prevention.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been allocated £1.4 million for 2025/26, enabling the recruitment of police staff and freeing up officers previously in support roles to return to operational duties.

As a result, four sergeants and 29 police officers have now been reassigned to neighbourhood teams across the force.

Each NPPT area will also have a named officer, with full team details available via the ‘Your Area’ section of the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

The force has also secured early access to 2026/27 Neighbourhood Guarantee funding, which will see a further 12 officers recruited between April and the autumn—adding to overall officer numbers in the region.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Neighbourhood policing is about more than numbers—it’s about relationships.

“Greater visibility helps build trust, strengthens community ties, and reassures the public that policing is present, responsive, and committed to keeping people safe.

“I remain committed to improving police visibility across our communities, and these additional officers will help turn that ambition into reality.”

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

4 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.