#carmarthen — Public Fediverse posts

TGJONES: Bailiff threat and tax debts cast fresh doubt over south-west Wales stores as WH Smith refuses to fund redundancy payments

The seven TGJones stores at risk across south-west Wales face fresh uncertainty after new details emerged about the dire financial state of the chain — including millions of pounds in unpaid taxes and a looming threat of bailiff action.

Seven branches in the region — including the Swansea Quadrant, Neath, Llanelli, Carmarthen, Bridgend, Tenby and Haverfordwest — were put at risk last week when owner Modella Capital announced plans to close up to 150 stores nationally as part of a major restructuring.

Now documents circulated to creditors have revealed that TGJones owes £8.4 million to HMRC, with a six-month payment agreement struck in April — and a further £3.4 million in business rates arrears. The Telegraph has reported that bailiffs are now a real threat if those payments are not maintained.

The revelations paint a stark picture of a business that has deteriorated rapidly since WH Smith sold its 480 high street stores to Modella Capital in March 2025 and rebranded them as TGJones.

The sale was originally valued at £76 million, but this was renegotiated sharply downward to £42 million to reflect what was described at the time as a “sharp deterioration in trading conditions.” In reality, WH Smith received just £10 million upfront, with the remaining £32 million contingent on the business’s future cash flows — money that now looks unlikely ever to materialise.

Modella has since approached WH Smith to ask whether it would fund enhanced redundancy payments for staff likely to lose their jobs if stores close. WH Smith had previously offered staff a more generous redundancy scheme than the statutory minimum. It declined to provide any further support.

The development is significant for workers at the seven south-west Wales branches, who now face the prospect of statutory redundancy only if their stores are among those confirmed for closure.

The restructuring Modella is planning is known as a “cram-down” — a relatively novel legal mechanism that requires the consent of only one class of creditors to proceed, rather than a majority. It will require approval from a High Court judge, with a hearing expected in late June.

Landlords are likely to face demands for severe reductions in rent as part of the plan. Those who refuse could simply take back the keys to their stores.

If the restructuring is approved, Modella has promised to invest £35 million in a turnaround plan it claims would return TGJones to profitability, with what it describes as a “considerable investment” in the stores that survive.

The creditor documents also reveal the existence of a mystery private individual — described as not being linked to Modella — who is owed £8 million by TGJones. No further details have been disclosed.

The crisis comes as Modella’s track record with other retail brands comes under scrutiny. Both The Original Factory Shop and Claire’s Accessories — two other chains acquired by the firm — have been placed into administration in recent months. Modella blamed the worsening conditions on the British high street and tax rises enacted by the Government.

An insolvency specialist quoted in earlier reporting warned that the pipeline of retail closures was “far from over,” pointing to the collapse in discretionary spending, stubbornly low high street footfall outside major city centres, and the impact of rising National Living Wage costs and higher employer National Insurance contributions.

Post Office has previously said it will update communities if any of its services — hosted within TGJones stores — are forced to relocate as a result of the closures.

The High Court hearing in late June is now the key date for anyone with an interest in the future of the south-west Wales stores — and for the staff who work in them.

Our TGJones coverage

Seven south-west Wales stores at risk as chain announces 150 closures
The full list of at-risk branches across the region.

Post Office promises to update communities if any branches are forced to relocate
What the closures could mean for Post Office services hosted within TGJones stores.

WH Smith sells high street stores — which will be renamed TGJones
How the chain ended up in Modella Capital’s hands in the first place.

TGJONES: Seven south-west Wales stores at risk as chain announces 150 closures

Seven TGJones stores across south-west Wales are facing the chop.

Up to 150 stores nationwide are set to close under a major restructuring plan announced by the chain’s owner – with hundreds of jobs at risk.

The stores affected by the decision include some of the most familiar names on south-west Wales high streets:

• The Quadrant Shopping Centre, Swansea
• Wind Street, Neath
• Parc Trostre Retail Park, Llanelli
• The Rhiw, Bridgend
• Guildhall Square, Carmarthen
• High Street, Tenby
• Riverside Quay, Haverfordwest

It has not yet been confirmed which individual stores will close.

But the announcement leaves staff at all seven branches facing a nervous wait.

The chain – formerly WHSmith – operates 480 high street stores nationally, with 26 of them in Wales.

Private equity owner Modella Capital said the restructuring was an “essential part” of the company’s turnaround plan.

The firm bought the WHSmith high street business in March 2025 – a £40 million deal that did not include the WHSmith brand itself.

Stores were quickly rebranded under the new TGJones name – a name with no prior public recognition.

Modella Capital is now blaming that “forced” rebrand for damaging consumer awareness.

A spokesperson said the decision to close stores had not been taken lightly.

“While we continue to believe in the strength of the core business, TGJones has experienced highly challenging trading conditions over the past year, along with many other brick-and-mortar retailers,” they said.

The company also blamed rising operating costs “as a direct result of government policy” and recent “geopolitical events.”

“The restructuring plan is designed to protect the substantial core of the store estate and create a stronger, more sustainable business that can continue to serve customers for years to come,” the spokesperson added.

Modella Capital said no final decisions had yet been made about the impact on staff, and the company was aiming to preserve “as many jobs as possible.”

“We want to be clear, however, that the plan may result in the closure of some stores and the loss of some roles,” the spokesperson said.

The TGJones restructure comes hot on the heels of another high-profile Modella Capital collapse.

The private equity firm shut all 154 UK and Ireland Claire’s stores last month – putting around 1,300 staff out of work.

Modella Capital placed Claire’s into administration after what it called an “alarmingly” low Christmas trading period.

It has now committed more than £35 million for the TGJones restructuring effort.

For Swansea shoppers, the timing is grim.

The Quadrant store sits within a shopping centre already undergoing significant change. The Quadrant’s former Debenhams anchor unit was bought by Swansea Council after the chain’s collapse, stripped out, and recently sold to the centre’s new owners Centurion Group, with three major new tenants expected to be confirmed.

And Swansea’s flagship Marks & Spencer store on Oxford Street is due to close on 30 May – meaning the city centre will lose yet another major retailer in the same month TGJones announces its restructuring.

The Carmarthen store on Guildhall Square is similarly prominent in the town’s main retail area, while the Neath, Llanelli, Bridgend, Tenby and Haverfordwest branches all anchor parts of their respective high streets.

The full list of which TGJones stores will close is expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

CARMARTHEN: ‘I woke up seven days later and was told what had happened’ — the job centre staff who saved a man’s life with a defibrillator they’d never used before

Stephen Booth walked into Carmarthen Job Centre Plus in March last year.

He never expected to leave in an ambulance.

As he stepped out of the lift, security officer Chris Manfield noticed something was wrong.

Seconds later, Stephen collapsed.

He had suffered a sudden cardiac arrest – one of the most serious medical emergencies a person can face. Without immediate intervention, he would not survive.

Manfield had recently completed basic life support training and didn’t hesitate. He called 999, began CPR and shouted to colleague Endaf Davies to fetch the defibrillator from the entrance.

“I instinctively knew he was in cardiac arrest,” Manfield said. “So I called 999, followed the call handler’s instructions and began CPR.”

For Davies, a Job Centre service manager, this was his first cardiac arrest emergency – and he had never received CPR or defibrillator training in his life.

He grabbed the defibrillator, opened the lid and simply followed the voice instructions.

“I’m still amazed today, just as I was then, at how easy it was to use,” Davies said.

Together, the two men performed CPR for more than five minutes and delivered two defibrillator shocks until Welsh Ambulance Service Senior Paramedic Stephen Bowles arrived and took over.

Stephen was blue-lighted to Morriston Hospital in Swansea, where he spent the next two weeks. He woke up seven days after the cardiac arrest with no memory of what had happened.

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“I don’t remember anything about that day,” Stephen said. “I woke up in Morriston Hospital seven days later and was told what had happened.”

He had one stent fitted and underwent numerous tests before being discharged.

Save a Life Cymru recently reunited Stephen with the people who helped save him – including Manfield, Davies and paramedic Bowles – where he presented them with Bystander Commendation Certificates.

“I was later told I’d received excellent CPR, which was vital to my recovery,” Stephen said. “I would encourage everyone to learn these lifesaving skills.”

Bowles said meeting cardiac arrest survivors was always special for ambulance crews, who rarely get the chance to see the outcome of their work. “I think he was glad too, as I could explain from a medical perspective what had happened to him that day,” he said.

Julie Starling, Clinical Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Programme Manager for Wales, said bystander intervention was the only way to increase survival rates. “We want to build a nation where people feel confident to call 999, start CPR and use a defibrillator when someone collapses,” she said.

A cardiac arrest happens without warning. The person collapses, becomes unresponsive and stops breathing normally. If you see this happen: call 999, start CPR and use a defibrillator if one is available – they are designed to be used by anyone, with no training required.

Anyone who has been affected by a cardiac arrest and needs support can visit resus.org.uk/public-resource/support-after-cardiac-arrest.

More survival stories from Swansea Bay News

Port Talbot cardiac arrest survivor reunited with amazing lifesavers
Another incredible reunion story from closer to home.

Teen who aided two medical emergencies in one day commended by ambulance chief
A remarkable young bystander recognised for extraordinary calm under pressure.

Pembrokeshire dad of three thanks emergency services that helped save his life
Another survivor’s story of gratitude and recovery.

Man who survived being hit by a van thanks ambulance crew who saved his life
A different kind of emergency – the same life-changing gratitude.

All our Welsh Ambulance Service coverage
Our full archive of stories about the crews who respond across south-west Wales.

CARMARTHEN: Raptor attraction that drew 4,000 visitors in its first winter launches new all-weather facilities for spring

West Wales’s newest wildlife attraction has launched a range of new all-weather facilities as it heads into its first full spring season at its Carmarthenshire home.

The British Bird of Prey Centre, which opened at its new independent site in Idole, near Carmarthen, in October 2025, has attracted more than 4,000 visitors since opening — with school trips, sold-out winter owl evenings and private flying experiences already under its belt.

The centre, previously based at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, is the UK’s only visitor attraction dedicated entirely to native British birds of prey.

Visitors can see some of Britain’s most iconic raptors up close, including golden eagles, red kites, peregrine falcons, kestrels, owls and buzzards. Red kites have a particular resonance in Carmarthenshire — the county is home to some of Wales’s most celebrated birds of the species, including the oldest ringed red kite recorded surviving in the wild, which was found injured in the area.

The attraction’s biggest new addition for spring is an interactive indoor activity space, where visitors can test their reflexes in a game simulating catching prey, look through binoculars that replicate an owl’s vision, and build their own bird.

The centre says it will expand the space over the coming months to include night vision goggles and a virtual reality experience simulating what it feels like to hold birds ranging from little owls to a peregrine falcon.

The centre has also extended its spring flying show programme, with daily shows in its indoor arena giving visitors close encounters with the birds whatever the weather — a significant draw for families during school holiday periods. The site also has an on-site café, outdoor adventure play area, and dedicated spaces for schools, community groups and corporate events.

A new car park, funded through the Welsh Government’s Weatherproofing grant, has also been added to cope with anticipated higher footfall through the spring and summer.

Emma Hill, Director of the British Bird of Prey Centre, said the response to the move had exceeded expectations. “Welcoming over 4,000 visitors in just a few months has given us real confidence that we made the right decision,” she said.

“We’ve built this site around freedom, welfare and immersive experiences — and the public response shows people genuinely value that difference. This spring feels like the start of something much bigger.”

Since opening, the centre has also welcomed more than 500 school children and hosted over 300 private flying experience guests alongside its public programme.

The move to Idole is part of the centre’s wider ambitions for the site. Future plans include a Wild Raptor Rehabilitation Centre, as well as camping and glamping options to support eco-tourism in west Wales.

The centre is currently ranked number one on TripAdvisor for things to do in the Carmarthen area and is open now for its first full season. Further details are available at the centre’s website.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

British Bird of Prey Centre to open new Carmarthenshire home this October half term
Our original coverage of the centre’s move to its new Carmarthen site.

Injured bird of prey identified as oldest ringed red kite to survive in the wild
The remarkable Carmarthenshire red kite story.

CARMARTHEN: £2m hospital unit to reopen in bid to ease A&E pressure

A refurbished Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) unit at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen will reopen to patients on Monday, March 30, in what health chiefs say is a major step towards easing pressure on overstretched emergency services.

The unit has undergone significant improvements backed by more than £2 million in Welsh Government funding, with changes designed to speed up care and improve the experience for both patients and staff.

Health board bosses say the upgraded facility will play a crucial role in reducing demand on the hospital’s busy Emergency Department, which has faced ongoing strain in recent years.

The investment has delivered additional consultation rooms, a revamped reception area and a more modern environment aimed at making visits less stressful for patients.

The move comes amid mounting pressure on services, with Glangwili already earmarked as a regional hub for emergency surgery and stroke care as part of wider plans to turn it into a major acute centre for west Wales.

The reopening also marks the return of several services that were temporarily relocated during the refurbishment work.

These include the Discharge Lounge, Medical Day Unit and the Primary Care Out of Hours service, all of which will move back into the upgraded SDEC building.

Specialist cancer support services will also return, including the Cancer Information and Support Service and the Cancer Psychological Support Service.

Patients accessing podiatry, neuro-rehabilitation and occupational therapy services will also see a return to normal access routes after months of disruption.

Health board director Keith Jones said the changes are expected to improve patient flow and reduce bottlenecks in urgent care.

He added that the improvements should help staff deliver a “smoother and swifter experience” for those attending the hospital.

The investment builds on wider upgrades at the site, including a previously reported £2m scheme to improve facilities and ease pressure on A&E, as well as separate plans to modernise diagnostic services such as X-ray facilities.

Welsh Government has said the funding forms part of a broader push to improve hospital environments and ensure patients are treated more quickly.

Patients attending appointments in the coming weeks are being urged to check their letters carefully, as clinic locations may have changed with services moving back into the refurbished unit.

Clear signage will be in place across the hospital, and staff will be on hand to help direct visitors to the correct departments.

While the reopening is being welcomed, it comes as health services across west Wales continue to face high demand, with hospitals under sustained pressure to meet growing patient needs.

The hope for local residents is that the revamped SDEC unit will help ease some of that strain and deliver quicker care when it matters most.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Carmarthen: Glangwili to become regional hub as health bosses centralise emergency surgery and stroke services
Major service changes show how Glangwili is becoming a key hospital for west Wales.

£2m upgrade begins at Glangwili Hospital to ease pressure on A&E
Earlier investment aimed at tackling rising demand in the hospital’s emergency department.

Glangwili’s X-ray facilities set for upgrade
Diagnostic improvements form part of wider plans to modernise services at the hospital.

JAILED: Newport duo locked up for ‘brazen’ £43k West Wales golf club raid

Mikael Bourkhari, 45, and Simon Dickey, 38, were both handed prison sentences at Swansea Crown Court on Monday (March 2) following their “devastating” overnight raids.

The pair had previously admitted to the burglary spree which targeted both Haverfordwest and Carmarthen golf clubs in back-to-back hits.

The court heard how police were first alerted at 12.45am on Sunday, January 18, when an intruder alarm was triggered at Haverfordwest Golf Club.

Officers arrived just six minutes later to find a “forcible break-in” had occurred, with the club shop stripped of high-value equipment.

It was estimated that several golf clubs, worth between £100 and £500 each, had been snatched, with the total value of the Haverfordwest haul reaching a massive £36,000.

While police were investigating the first scene, a red Vauxhall van was identified as a vehicle of interest, sparking a cross-county hunt for the burglars.

Officers in Carmarthenshire were alerted and, while patrolling Carmarthen Golf Club as a precaution, discovered that the duo had already struck again.

The front door of the Carmarthen club had been smashed in, with around £7,000 worth of clubs stolen and £5,000 in damage caused to the building.

The pair were finally intercepted by Roads Policing Officers shortly after 2am on the A48, despite having fitted fake number plates to their getaway van.

Inside the vehicle, police discovered a “suspiciously large number” of golf clubs and bags, leading to the immediate arrest of the two men.

The duo, who initially gave fake names to officers, later confessed to the crimes, and all stolen items were successfully recovered and returned to the clubs.

At Swansea Crown Court, Boukhari was sentenced to two years and six months behind bars, while Dickey received a sentence of two years and eight months.

Detective Constable Kate Williams of Dyfed-Powys Police slammed the “brazen” actions of the pair, who targeted hard-working local business owners.

“Today’s result underlines the fact that if you travel into the Dyfed-Powys area to commit crime, you will be caught,” DC Williams warned.

Three men sentenced after trying to steal railway track in Neath claiming it was on ‘unowned’ land

David Hanford, 58, of Brownhills, Gorseinon, Robert Lewis, 64, of Y Fron, Cefneithin, and Ryan John, 43, of Llys Caernedi, Carmarthen, all appeared at Swansea Crown Court where they admitted attempted theft.

Hanford and Lewis were each sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, ordered to undertake rehabilitation activity and pay £500 in compensation. John received four months and two weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, and must also undertake rehabilitation activity, carry out unpaid work, and pay £500 in compensation.

The court heard that at around 8.30am on 3 October 2022, a member of the public noticed a van and a group of men in high-vis vests on the line in the Bryn Golwg area in Clyne, Neath.

He initially thought nothing of it as the line was “mothballed” – a term used in railway engineering to refer to track that is not in use at the time but still requires maintenance and could be brought back into service on short notice.

When the men had left at the end of the day, he decided to take a closer look and noticed there had been cuts to the track. Concerned, he informed Network Rail.

The following morning the same men were back again, going back and forth between the track and the van. British Transport Police (BTP) were called, and officers attended a short time later.

They ordered the men to stop what they were doing and provide their industry-specific identity cards proving they were allowed to work on the railway, which they were all unable to do.

Hanford claimed he and the other men were running a company and stated that the land was not owned by anyone and that the group were intending to remove the “abandoned” track and scrap the metal so the land could be used for other things.

He produced an authentic Land Registry document to try to support his claim.

However, after calling the Land Registry and noticing cuts to the track, officers seized the men’s equipment, took all of their details and told them they would all be invited to police interview on suspicion of attempted theft.

A protracted investigation was launched, involving a number of specialist Network Rail surveyors and track managers, the Land Registry and the Crown Prosecution Service.

Officers established that Hanford and Lewis had been involved in a number of similar incidents in previous years, where they would look for what they deemed as “abandoned” railway lines and make requests to the Land Registry for index map searches.

Nearly all the railway network was acquired in the 19th century by Network Rail’s predecessors in title and much of it remains unregistered.

The group tried to use the technicality of the land’s description as “unregistered estate” to their advantage as meaning nobody owned it and it was therefore theirs to do what they liked with.

As officers were preparing for voluntary interviews with the group in September 2023, they returned to the same area of track. They were spotted by another member of the public who was aware of the theft attempt from the previous year and called police.

BTP officers arrived a short time later and the group again claimed the line was abandoned and disused, admitting that they had cut the track the previous year and had returned to dispose of it. They were again arrested on suspicion of theft and taken into custody.

The total cost of the damage caused to the track was estimated at almost £46,000.

They were all charged in April 2024.

BTP Police Constable Kay Calderwood who led the investigation said:

“This has been a lengthy, complex and honestly quite bizarre investigation. As part of the ploy the group had created a bogus company, but it was not registered with Companies House and had no health and safety plans or insurance. They tried to dress professionally so they could carry out the work unimpeded but were disrupted both times by concerned members of the public.

“The evidence we gathered meant the CPS presented Hanford, Lewis and John with land registry records and deeds dating back to the 1850s, yet they repeatedly insisted that the certificate they had meant the land was in their view abandoned and that meant they could do whatever they wanted.

“Most concerningly, the group had no idea about the line they were damaging. They didn’t know when the last test train had run on the track, therefore they’d have been entirely unaware of potentially derailing a train if they had been successful in their efforts.

“This should serve as a significant warning to anyone else who thinks they can trespass and try to steal railway track.”

BTP Chief Inspector Joseph Gorman, lead for railway disruption, said:

“This conviction sends a clear message that dangerous, costly, and disruptive crimes such as track theft will not be tolerated. Attempting to steal metal from the railway network or from depots can pose a serious risk of harm to the offender, and the costs incurred by the railway operator are passed on to the average commuter.”

Cerys Canning, Programme Manager at Network Rail, said:

“This was an extremely dangerous act that put lives at risk and caused significant damage to the railway. Even lines that are not currently in use remain part of the operational railway and can be brought back into service at short notice. Interfering with track in any circumstances is illegal and can have catastrophic consequences.

“The damage caused in this case cost almost £46,000 – money that would otherwise be spent on maintaining and improving the railway for passengers and freight customers.

“Anyone found trespassing or attempting to remove railway assets is committing a serious criminal offence and will be dealt with accordingly. We’re grateful to the members of the public who raised concerns, and we will continue working closely with British Transport Police to protect the railway and keep people safe.”

Carmarthen man to appear in court charged with attempted murder

McKenna was charged following an incident in Carmarthen Park that prompted a major police search and public appeals.

He was arrested five days after a knife attack on a woman, during which the victim suffered serious injuries as she fled through the Picton Terrace entrance calling for help. Officers say she is now expected to make a full recovery.

Carmarthen saw a large police response following the attack and a manhunt across the town. Officers named Mckenna as a suspect during the search, urging the public not to approach him while enquiries continued

McKenna is due to appear before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.

A spokesperson for Dyfed‑Powys Police said:

“James Mckenna, aged 57, from Carmarthen, has been charged with attempted murder, possession of a bladed article in a public place and stalking, following an incident in Carmarthen Park on Thursday, January 29.

“He will appear at Llanelli Magistrates Court tomorrow (Thursday, February 5).”

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Arrest made after manhunt for Carmarthen Park attempted murder suspect
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Police name wanted man as hunt intensifies after Carmarthen Park attempted murder
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Police hunt named suspect after attempted murder in Carmarthen Park
Detectives appeal for information following the initial incident.

Arrest made after manhunt for Carmarthen Park attempted murder suspect

Dyfed‑Powys Police announced the development this afternoon, four days after launching a large‑scale manhunt across the town and surrounding woodland. Officers had been searching for McKenna since Thursday, when a woman was stabbed just inside the park before fleeing to raise the alarm.

The force said the arrest follows extensive enquiries and a public appeal issued over the weekend.

Detective Chief Superintendent Ross Evans said:

“We would like to thank the media and our communities for assisting our investigation so far.”

Police confirmed that comments on their public update have been disabled as court proceedings are now active under the Contempt of Court Act.

The victim, who suffered stab wounds during the attack, is expected to make a full recovery.

No further details have been released at this stage.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Police name wanted man as hunt intensifies after Carmarthen Park attempted murder
Officers identify the suspect as the search operation escalates.

Police hunt named suspect after attempted murder in Carmarthen Park
Detectives appeal for information after a woman is stabbed inside the park.

Police recover knife as manhunt for Carmarthen Park suspect enters fifth day
Officers recover key evidence as the search widens across Carmarthen.

Police recover knife as manhunt for Carmarthen Park suspect enters fifth day

The 57‑year‑old remains on the run five days after the attack, which left the victim with serious injuries as she fled through the Picton Terrace entrance calling for help. Officers say she is now expected to make a full recovery.

Dyfed‑Powys Police confirmed today that teams have been working “continuously” across the weekend, carrying out extensive searches inside the park and across surrounding allotments, woodland and wetlands. Specialist dog units, drone pilots and forensic teams have all been deployed as the force widens its search area along the Towy riverbank and locations McKenna is known to visit.

A knife believed to have been used in the attack has now been recovered, along with a rucksack found during the systematic searches. Detectives are also examining digital and financial activity and have checked with transport operators to establish whether McKenna attempted to leave the area — though officers currently believe he has remained local.

Detective Chief Superintendent Ross Evans said:

“I assure that we are doing all we can to locate James McKenna, and that our work has been continuous over the weekend and into today.

Having processed the initial scenes of interest inside and immediately outside Carmarthen Park, our search areas have expanded to include large wooded areas, the Towy riverbank and places he is known to frequent.

We do not believe at this time that he has used any mode of transport to leave the area, however if anyone has any information that could suggest otherwise, we urge them to get in touch.”

He added that the victim, despite suffering multiple stab wounds, is not believed to have life‑changing injuries.

Detective Chief Superintendent Evans said:

“We wish her well as she recovers, and are ensuring she is supported both by our officers and external organisations.”

Police thanked residents for their patience as the large‑scale search continues, with neighbourhood teams remaining in the area to reassure the public.

McKenna is described as white, 5ft 7in tall, bald with white facial hair, and was last seen wearing a green coat and blue beanie hat.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police online via the dedicated portal, email [email protected], call 101, or dial 999 in an emergency. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Police name wanted man as hunt intensifies after Carmarthen Park attempted murder
Officers identify the suspect as the search operation escalates.

Police hunt named suspect after attempted murder in Carmarthen Park
Detectives appeal for information after a woman is stabbed inside the park.

Police name wanted man as hunt intensifies after Carmarthen Park attempted murder

The force said the incident happened between 3pm and 4pm on Wednesday (29 January). A woman was taken to hospital, where police say she remains in a stable condition.

Officers are now trying to locate 57‑year‑old James McKenna, who police say is wanted in connection with the attack. The force said McKenna is local to Carmarthen but is known to have links to Ireland, and that checks have been carried out at ports and transport hubs.

Police described McKenna as a white British man, around 5ft 7in tall, bald, with white facial hair. Photographs released by the force show him with a shaved head and white beard.

Members of the public are being urged by police not to approach him. Dyfed‑Powys Police said anyone who sees McKenna or has information about his whereabouts should contact officers immediately via the designated information portal, by emailing 101@dyfed‑powys.police.uk, calling 101, or dialling 999 in an emergency. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers.

‘We are doing everything possible to locate James’ — police

Detective Chief Superintendent Ross Evans, who is leading the investigation, said officers understand the incident has caused concern in the community.

“We understand that this incident is a cause of concern for the people of Carmarthen. I want to reassure you that we are doing everything possible to locate James and bring the incident to a swift conclusion,” he said.

DCS Evans said extra patrols were deployed around school closing time to reassure pupils, parents and staff, and that additional officers will remain visible in the town as enquiries continue.

He said the force believes the incident is isolated and that the increased police presence is “for reassurance only”.

“This type of incident is highly unusual for the area, and I want to be clear that we will not tolerate violence of any sort in our community,” he said.

DCS Evans acknowledged that the police cordon at Picton Terrace has caused disruption for residents, saying officers “hope to release the scenes as soon as possible”.

He thanked the community for its patience and issued a direct appeal to McKenna.

“Finally, to James – if you see this message, I encourage you to make yourself known to us at the earliest opportunity so that this matter can be resolved swiftly.”

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Police hunt named suspect after attempted murder in Carmarthen Park
Our earlier report on the initial appeal after a woman was seriously injured in Carmarthen Park.

Police hunt named suspect after attempted murder in Carmarthen park

The force said officers were called just after 4pm on Thursday following a report that a woman had been assaulted in Carmarthen Park. According to police, she was taken to hospital with injuries to her torso and hand and is currently in a stable condition.

Dyfed‑Powys Police said Picton Terrace was closed to traffic and an area inside the park was cordoned off while officers examined the scene. The force added that a number of scenes remained in place late into the night as enquiries continued.

Police: victim and suspect known to each other

Detective Superintendent Anthony Evans, Dyfed‑Powys Police, said officers had identified a male suspect who is known to the victim and that enquiries were ongoing to locate and arrest him.

“I am aware that this is an incident which is understandably causing concern in the area,” he said. “I wish to assure the local community that our officers are following all possible lines of enquiry to locate and arrest the suspect as quickly as possible.

“You will continue to see police in the areas around Picton Terrace, Carmarthen Park and other addresses as we investigate this appalling incident.

“Our enquiries so far have led us to understand that this was not a random attack, and that the suspect and victim were known to each other. We are now actively looking for a named individual, and should we need the public’s assistance in locating him we will issue further information.

“If you were in Carmarthen Park at around 4pm today and saw any behaviour that you would consider to be suspicious, or anyone leaving the area at speed, please do not hesitate to contact us.”

Dyfed‑Powys Police said the attempted murder investigation remains ongoing.

Dick Whittington. Lyric Theatre. #tickets #carmarthen #uktheatre #panto https://www.uktw.co.uk/L1554162864/

https://www.europesays.com/uk/617718/ Fresh cash call to bring back lost West Wales rail line #Aberystwyth #AdamPriceMS #Britain #CarlPetersBond #Carmarthen #CarmarthenToAberystwythRailLink #GreatBritain #KenSkatesMS #Lampeter #Llandysul #Llanybydder #RailInvestment #RailLink #TrawsLinkCymru #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales #WestWalesRail

https://www.cyclingeu.com/770349/briton-ferry-to-hawtrhorn/ Briton Ferry to Hawtrhorn #A465 #A48 #Bicycling #BicyclingUK #BicyclingUnitedKingdom #Biking #BikingUK #BikingUnitedKingdom #Bridgend #BritonFerry #Cardiff #CardiffBay #carmarthen #Clydach #Cowbridge #Cwmbran #Cycling #CyclingSwanseaUnitedKingdom #CyclingUk #CyclingUnitedKingdom #Drives #Fforestfach #Llanelli #Llansawel #M4 #Neath #Pentwyn #Pontardawe #Pontypool #PortTalbot #Porthcawl #rides #SA1 #Swansea #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales #walks

I’m planning to cycle the Twyi Valley trail this weekend but I’m not 100% sure it’s been finiahed yet. Does anyone know/Dych chi’n gwybod? #TywiValleyPath #Cymru #Wales #Cycling #Beicio #TywiValley #Carmarthenshire #Carmarthen

https://vimeo.com/1062100766?fl=pl&fe=sh

https://www.cyclingeu.com/708887/briton-ferry-to-llansamlet-by-bike/ Briton Ferry to Llansamlet by bike #A465 #A48 #Bicycling #Biking #BikingUK #Bridgend #BritonFerry #Cardiff #CardiffBay #carmarthen #Clydach #Cowbridge #Cwmbran #Cycling #Drives #Fforestfach #Llanelli #Llansawel #M4 #Neath #Pentwyn #Pontardawe #Pontypool #PortTalbot #Porthcawl #rides #SA1 #Swansea #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales #walks

https://www.cyclingeu.com/699991/cwmbran-to-briton-ferry-2/ Cwmbran to Briton Ferry #A465 #A48 #Bicycling #BicyclingUK #BicyclingUnitedKingdom #Biking #BikingUK #BikingUnitedKingdom #Bridgend #BritonFerry #Cardiff #CardiffBay #carmarthen #Clydach #Cowbridge #Cwmbran #Cycling #CyclingNewportUK #CyclingUk #CyclingUnitedKingdom #Drives #Fforestfach #Llanelli #Llansawel #M4 #Neath #Pentwyn #Pontardawe #Pontypool #PortTalbot #Porthcawl #rides #SA1 #Swansea #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales #walks

https://www.cyclingeu.com/698735/briton-ferry-to-cwmbran/ Briton Ferry to Cwmbran #A465 #A48 #Bicycling #Biking #BikingUnitedKingdom #Bridgend #BritonFerry #Cardiff #CardiffBay #carmarthen #Clydach #Cowbridge #Cwmbran #Cycling #Drives #Fforestfach #Llanelli #Llansawel #M4 #Neath #Pentwyn #Pontardawe #Pontypool #PortTalbot #Porthcawl #rides #SA1 #Swansea #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales #walks

https://www.cyclingeu.com/694168/cwmbran-to-briton-ferry/ Cwmbran to Briton Ferry #A465 #A48 #Bicycling #BicyclingUK #BicyclingUnitedKingdom #Biking #BikingUK #BikingUnitedKingdom #Bridgend #BritonFerry #Cardiff #CardiffBay #carmarthen #Clydach #Cowbridge #Cwmbran #Cycling #CyclingSwanseaUnitedKingdom #CyclingUk #CyclingUnitedKingdom #Drives #Fforestfach #Llanelli #Llansawel #M4 #Neath #Pentwyn #Pontardawe #Pontypool #PortTalbot #Porthcawl #rides #SA1 #Swansea #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales #walks

Took my 18 yr old granddaughter to her driving test in Carmarthen yesterday. While she was reversing into a parking bay clearly designated for test candidates, some old duffer come running up to tell us we couldn't park there because he had testee due back and she'd need to park there.

I pointed out that these are test centre spaces and my GD was there for her test, but this guy insisted the space had to be kept for his testee...

1/2

#drivingtest #carmarthen #drivinginstructor

Took my 18 yr old granddaughter to her driving test in Carmarthen yesterday. While she was reversing into a parking bay clearly designated for test candidates, some old duffer come running up to tell us we couldn't park there because he had testee due back and she'd need to park there.

I pointed out that these are test centre spaces and my GD was there for her test, but this guy insisted the space had to be kept for his testee...

1/2

#drivingtest #carmarthen #drivinginstructor

Took my 18 yr old granddaughter to her driving test in Carmarthen yesterday. While she was reversing into a parking bay clearly designated for test candidates, some old duffer come running up to tell us we couldn't park there because he had testee due back and she'd need to park there.

I pointed out that these are test centre spaces and my GD was there for her test, but this guy insisted the space had to be kept for his testee...

1/2

#drivingtest #carmarthen #drivinginstructor

https://www.cyclingeu.com/629732/briton-ferry-to-the-quays-by-bike/ Briton Ferry to The Quays (By Bike) #A465 #A48 #Bicycling #BicyclingIreland #Biking #Bridgend #BritonFerry #Cardiff #CardiffBay #carmarthen #Clydach #Cowbridge #Cwmbran #Cycling #Drives #Fforestfach #Ireland #Llanelli #Llansawel #M4 #Neath #Pentwyn #Pontardawe #Pontypool #PortTalbot #Porthcawl #rides #SA1 #Swansea #Wales #walks

It's been roughly a year since I got the keys for my workspace in #Carmarthen and I'm still so chuffed I could make it happen.

It's a sunshine yellow workshop filled with my quirks, happy music, weird podcasts, bespoke tools, and other things I deem essential (like a coffee maker and a napping area).

Shaping your own workspace is magical, y'all.

#conservators #ShowYourWorkspace #FreelanceLife

No trains on Welsh railway line for 18 days http://dlvr.it/TKDlSx #Carmarthen #Disruption #Graffiti #Llandrindod

No trains on Welsh railway line for 18 days http://dlvr.it/TKDkN9 #Carmarthen #Disruption #Graffiti #Llandrindod

Weekend trip to visit family at #Carmarthen, #SouthWales. Yesterday found these two lovely small #art galleries with some exceptional pieces (ceramics, mixed media, photography, painting) by members of a local collective that run the place together.
https://www.kingstreetgallery.co.uk/
https://origincarmarthen.com/

Nearby, a great bit of street art next to a mini pub, celebrating one of Wales most iconic bands, Gorky's Zygotic Mynci.
1/n

New express coach service could link North and South Wales railway stations http://dlvr.it/TJHyGS #Aberystwyth #Bangor #Caernarfon #Carmarthen

Welsh train service update ahead of Six Nations Rugby http://dlvr.it/THsyGq #Carmarthen #Disruption #Llandeilo #Llandrindod

Welsh train service update ahead of Six Nations Rugby http://dlvr.it/THsyGc #Carmarthen #Disruption #Llandeilo #Llandrindod

It was a lazy day in Carmarthen seeing the sights. Looking forward to reading this bad boy tonight from 1976. #PartyAnimal #Wild #Carmarthen #Carmarthenshire #Wales #SirGar #Cymru #Friday #fridayreads

Congratulations to SERO on the grand opening of their new Scrapstore on Saturday!

It feels like the challenges facing us require all our creativity, imagination and resourcefulness as we face them together. that's the story this project is telling each and every day, as local people in Carmarthen find new ways to come together, to share what we have and to build wonderful new community solutions.

Folks joined in with all kinds of upcycling and crafty materials, and the Scrapstore joins the community climate hubs other regular projects, a Library of Things, New2Us swapshop for children's supplies, skillshares, repair cafe and much more.

Don't you think there should be one in every town?!

#wales #carmarthen #thisisTransition #whatisTransition #Transition #climateaction #community

For those of you living in #south and #west #Wales, there is a brilliant #Welsh #orchid festival this weekend at #Aberglasney house & gardens near #Carmarthen, attended by some the UK''s most exciting growers & experts in their fields.

A fantastic range of #carnivorous #plants will also be available from one of the UK's national collection holders.

We went a few years ago and it was amazing.

The garden is also fabulous, so all in all, a worthy day out.

Support our local gardens if you can.

Yesterday I visited this #Carmarthen gem: the Lyric Theatre! We saw "Save the Cinema" (fittingly, as it's about that very venue) and enjoyed a run around behind the scenes as well.

Brilliant fun and I learned a lot of local history! Plus I get to feel like I'm getting the hang of this place as I could point out things that were wildly incorrect. 😂

#SaveTheCinema #BehindTheScenes #LocalHistory #theatre #Carmarthenshire #LyricTheatre #theater

Dw i yng Nghaerfyrddin

#ymarfer #Caerfyrddin #Carmarthen #SummerTour #TootUp

The river #Towy was amazingly still and clear earlier today. 🏞️

#Carmarthen #rivers #water

Today we went to the St David's Day #parade in #Carmarthen and I overenthusiastically talked to a lady with a beautiful #banner, saw a #dragon #mascot waddling about, and saw #coracles outside their natural habitat.

#StDavidsDay #Wales #parades #coracle

That's it, I'm heading home for the holidays! Last meeting done, out of office on, room somewhat tidied. (Una didn't really get the #acidfree #tree though.)

#dogs #Carmarthen #LastDayBeforeChristmas #conservators

@jaz, here are some of the girls looking down at Afon #Tywi; Carmarthen under the cloud to the right. #Towy #Caerfyrddin #Carmarthen

Oh #Wales, you're absolutely nailing it today. 🌤️

#Carmarthen #SunnyDay #positivity #outdoors #Carmarthenshire #Towy

High Street retailer #Joules has said it is set to go into administration, blaming soaring energy costs and a downturn in consumer spending.

The chain has 132 stores across the UK, including five in South West Wales at #Mumbles, #Carmarthen, #Tenby and St Davids in #Pembrokeshire and McArthur Glen Designer Outlet in #Bridgend.

https://swanseabaynews.com/2022/11/14/retailer-joules-set-to-go-into-administration/

Well, guess I'm not taking the river route to work anytime soon. 😅🌊 Stay safe, people! Remember to anchor your sheep. 🐑

#Wales #Carmarthen #Towy #flooding #RainyDays