Eleanor Storey

Police in Newport, South Wales, shot a 21-year-old man who was reported to be acting threateningly and believed to be carrying a crossbow. Firearms officers responded and shot the suspect, who was taken to hospital in stable condition. Gwent Police said the incident was isolated, posed no ongoing risk to the public and that no additional suspects are being sought.

King Charles celebrated his 77th birthday by visiting the South Wales Metro Depot in Taff’s Well, where he briefly operated a tram‑train named Myddfai. The visit marked the official opening of the new depot, part of a major infrastructure project set to support 36 tram‑trains and create hundreds of jobs. Earlier, he and Queen Camilla attended a birthday reception at Cyfarthfa Castle, where he cut a castle‑shaped cake.

A 250kg unexploded World War II bomb discovered in Plymouth was deemed too unstable to move and was safely detonated on site, prompting the lifting of a 400‑metre cordon and allowing more than 1,000 evacuated residents to return home. Authorities reported no significant damage and praised the coordinated efforts of Army and Royal Navy specialists.

A 68‑year‑old man died while competing in the Fan Dance endurance event on Pen y Fan in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. Emergency services, including police, mountain rescue and ambulance teams, responded but the man was pronounced dead, with the incident deemed non‑suspicious and referred to the coroner. Avalanche Endurance Events confirmed the fatality, noting its focus on supporting the family and thanking rescue teams for their swift and professional response.

A London teenager, Umar Dumbuya, died after entering the River Wye during a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition in Glasbury, Powys. His family described him as a loving and kind young man whose loss has left them devastated. Emergency services recovered his body following a search operation. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award organisation expressed deep sadness and is cooperating with authorities. Leyton Sixth Form College launched a fundraising effort to support his family with funeral expenses.

An 18-year-old student, Umar Dumbuya, died after entering the River Wye during a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition in Glasbury, prompting a search by emergency services. His family described him as a loving boy whose loss is devastating. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award organisation is working with authorities to understand what happened, while Leyton Sixth Form College launched a fundraiser to support his family and remembered him for his kindness.

An inquest heard that 14-year-old Lilly Anne Jones died from multiple stab wounds after being found in a park in Blaina, Wales, two days after she was reported missing. A 14-year-old boy has been charged with her murder and is due to face trial in November. The coroner provided a provisional cause of death and adjourned the case for further inquiries, with a full inquest set for April 2027.

A signed copy of Paul McCartney In His Own Words donated to an Oxfam shop in Aberystwyth was discovered by the shop manager and later sold at auction for £950 through Bonhams. The donation contributes to Oxfam’s fundraising efforts, including its emergency appeal following the Venezuela earthquake, underscoring the impact single contributions can have.

Pembrokeshire County Council granted Dave and Mayu Phillips approval to build an eco‑home under Wales’s One Planet Development policy, allowing them to raise meat‑breed guinea pigs, rabbits and pigeons, along with producing honey and walnuts, as part of a low‑impact sustainable lifestyle. Mr Phillips explained the guinea pigs are a livestock breed distinct from pets, aligning their plans with the policy’s goals for environmentally responsible living.

A couple in rural Pembrokeshire received planning permission to build a low‑impact eco‑home where they plan to raise guinea pigs, rabbits and pigeons for meat as part of a sustainable One Planet Development project. They emphasised long-term family ties to the area and a commitment to reducing environmental impact, while councillors questioned elements of their livestock plans.

A couple received planning approval in Pembrokeshire to build an eco‑home where they plan to raise guinea pigs, rabbits and pigeons for food as part of a sustainable One Planet Development. Their project also aims to expand honey and walnut production, with the pair emphasising that the guinea pigs are a meat‑specific breed rather than pets.

An 18‑year‑old student drowned during a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition in Powys, Wales, after entering the River Wye and failing to resurface. Emergency services conducted an extensive multi‑agency search before locating his body. Authorities and the DofE organisation expressed condolences and said they are working with the student’s college and relevant agencies to understand the circumstances of the incident.

A signed copy of Paul McCartney In His Own Words was anonymously donated to an Oxfam shop in Aberystwyth, where staff later discovered its valuable inscription. The book was auctioned by Bonhams for £950, with all proceeds supporting Oxfam’s charitable and emergency work. The donor could not be identified.

Police confirmed that a body found in Duffryn Park, Blaina, is missing 14-year-old Lilly Jones. A 14-year-old boy has been charged with her murder and appeared at Cardiff Crown Court, with a trial set for November. Authorities urged the public to avoid naming the defendant online due to legal restrictions. The school community at Brynmawr Foundation School expressed deep condolences and is offering support to affected students and staff.

A care home manager received a £4,090 penalty after two wheelchair-using residents drowned when a wheelyboat capsized during an outing lacking proper risk assessment. The court found that Janice Sowden failed to evaluate safety needs, allowed staff with insufficient capabilities, and later fabricated evidence to mislead investigators. Judge Stuart Smith condemned her negligence, linking it directly to the deaths of Alexander Wood and Alison Tilsley and the serious injury of Kate Dart, while noting declining safety standards at the home.

More than 450 pieces of World Cup memorabilia, including Pelé’s 1958 winners’ medal, are expected to fetch over £2 million at an upcoming BUDDS auction, with the medal alone estimated at up to £500,000. Additional highlights include Gordon Banks’ 1970 ‘Save of the Century’ shirt, Peter Shilton’s 1986 ‘Hand of God’ jersey and items from England’s 1966 campaign. A separate Sotheby’s auction will offer a 1958 Pelé jersey valued at more than $6 million, potentially becoming his most valuable collectible and approaching the record price paid for a Maradona shirt.

Gisele Pelicot recounts rebuilding trust and finding love after surviving years of drugging and rape inflicted by her former husband, expressing hope and optimism during an appearance at the Hay Festival. She highlights the importance of education to foster harmony between men and women and praises her daughter’s advocacy group, M’endors pas, which campaigns against chemical submission.

Daniel Morgan was jailed for 40 months after driving a stolen bulldozer into The New Inn pub in Cefn Rhigos following a cocaine-fuelled outburst triggered by taunts over his marriage breakdown. The incident caused more than £22,000 in damage and significant fear among patrons, with Morgan also damaging another vehicle before being stopped by his father. He pleaded guilty to multiple offences including aggravated vehicle taking and dangerous driving. Prosecutors highlighted his disregard for public safety, while the judge stressed the lasting consequences of his actions.

A former BBC producer, Dylan Dawes, received an 18‑month suspended sentence after being convicted of possessing and making more than 6,000 indecent images of children. A judge criticised his attempts to blame others who had access to his workplace devices and placed him on the sex offenders register for 10 years. Dawes, arrested in 2022 after images were found on four devices in his Cardiff home, has since lost his job at the BBC. Defence lawyers said he accepts the court’s findings and intends to rehabilitate.

Rhun ap Iorwerth was elected first minister of Wales after securing the most votes in the Senedd, becoming the first non‑Labour politician to hold the position. He plans to form a minority government after Plaid Cymru won 43 seats but fell short of a majority. The Green Party supported his nomination, while Labour and the Liberal Democrats abstained. Before his appointment is formalized, the presiding officer will recommend him to the King. Ap Iorwerth emphasized unity, national confidence and principled leadership while acknowledging the service of outgoing leader Eluned Morgan.

Rhun ap Iorwerth becomes the first non‑Labour First Minister of Wales after Plaid Cymru wins the largest number of Senedd seats, prompting Eluned Morgan’s resignation as Welsh Labour leader. Plaid Cymru plans to form a minority government, and ap Iorwerth pledges to lead with fairness and without prejudice.

Labour anticipates major losses in the Welsh local elections following poor results in England, with senior figures acknowledging voter frustration and a strong desire for change driven by the cost-of-living crisis. A collapsed vote in key areas has put prominent figures, including First Minister Eluned Morgan, at risk, while Plaid Cymru and Reform UK are leading opinion polls. Keir Starmer has accepted responsibility for Labour’s struggles in England as concerns grow over the party’s standing in Wales.

Vote counting for the Welsh Parliament election begins Friday, with results expected from early afternoon through the evening. The election features an expanded 96‑member Senedd and a new proportional voting system. Polls indicate Plaid Cymru and Reform UK ahead of Labour, prompting warnings from First Minister Eluned Morgan about potential seat losses. Plaid Cymru seeks to displace Labour as the governing party, while Nigel Farage frames the contest as a verdict on the Prime Minister’s leadership.

Residents in Plymouth returned home after a World War II bomb discovered at a Southway building site was deemed too unstable to move and was safely detonated on site. Authorities confirmed no significant surrounding damage, allowing the lifting of a 400‑metre cordon that had led to the evacuation of around 1,500 people. Local officials and emergency services praised the coordinated effort of military bomb disposal teams, police, and partner agencies, highlighting the safe outcome of the operation and ongoing clean‑up and security measures near the blast location.

Police are investigating a suspected homophobic hate crime in central Bristol after a man in his 30s was found unconscious with severe facial injuries and is now in critical but stable condition. A second victim with minor injuries has provided additional information suggesting possible homophobic motivation. Authorities believe a group of three or four men carried out the assault before fleeing, and CCTV inquiries are ongoing. Police have briefed local LGBTQ+ leaders and SARI while appealing for witnesses to assist in identifying the attackers.

Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan mistakenly told supporters to vote for Plaid Cymru during a campaign event before correcting herself and attributing the slip to fatigue. She reaffirmed her support for Welsh Labour, citing achievements such as reducing waiting lists, while polls show Plaid Cymru and Reform UK challenging Labour’s long-term dominance ahead of the 7 May election.

Eluned Morgan accidentally urged voters to support Plaid Cymru during a Welsh Labour campaign event before quickly correcting herself, later attributing the error to exhaustion and language switching. She emphasized Labour’s record and urged voters not to risk progress, while polls indicated Plaid Cymru and Reform UK could challenge Labour’s long-standing dominance in Wales. Morgan also drew comparisons between Welsh and UK Labour and noted Keir Starmer’s absence from the campaign as he focuses on international issues.

A 92-year-old man, Laurence Billam, has been charged with murdering his 87-year-old wife, Shirley Billam, after emergency services found her dead at their home in Exeter. He is due to appear at Exeter Magistrates’ Court, and police say the victim’s family is being supported by trained officers.

A 92-year-old Exeter man, Laurence Billam, has been charged with the murder of his 87-year-old wife, Shirley Billam, after emergency services found her dead at their Millbrook Lane home. Police confirmed the family is receiving specialist support, and Billam is due to appear before Exeter Magistrates’ Court.

Champion horse trainer Evan Williams received a three‑year prison sentence for attacking 72‑year‑old dog walker Martin Dandridge with a hockey stick on his property in Llancarfan, Wales. A jury at Cardiff Crown Court convicted Williams of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and the judge criticized him for taking the law into his own hands despite previous issues with poachers on his land.

A prominent racehorse trainer, Evan Williams, received a three-year prison sentence for assaulting 72-year-old dog walker Martin Dandridge with a hockey stick on his property in south Wales. The judge cited the seriousness of the injuries and Williams’s excessive response, despite acknowledging his fear following an earlier confrontation with armed trespassers. The court heard that Williams misinterpreted Dandridge’s presence as potential poaching. Defence arguments highlighted Williams’s community standing and the potential collapse of his business, while a victim statement detailed the lasting impact of the attack on Dandridge.

Police in Filton near Bristol arrested a man in his twenties on suspicion of murder after another man of similar age was found dead with stab wounds in a garden. The victim, believed to have died several hours earlier, has not yet been formally identified. Detectives reviewed CCTV, carried out forensic work and searched the area, leading to the arrest. Authorities appealed for witnesses or footage from nearby streets between Wednesday afternoon and early Thursday morning and directed anonymous information to Crimestoppers.

Police released a facial reconstruction of an unidentified man found in Claerwen Reservoir in October 2024. The man, who had been in the water for up to 12 weeks, was wearing a wetsuit and showed no identifying marks. Despite checks with UK forces, Interpol, and DNA databases, his identity remains unknown. Authorities are appealing for public information, particularly from anyone who visited the reservoir between July and October 2024.

Police released a facial reconstruction of a man found dead in Claerwen Reservoir in October 2024 after months of unsuccessful attempts to identify him. The man, discovered wearing only a wetsuit and with no personal belongings, left no DNA, fingerprint or dental matches. Investigators worked with forces across the UK and through Interpol but found no leads. Authorities urge anyone who may recognise the reconstruction or who visited the area between July and mid‑October 2024 to come forward to help establish his identity.

A 49-year-old skydiver, Chas McNeil, died during a wingsuit jump at Dunkeswell Aerodrome in Devon. The highly experienced jumper from Dorset had been using his own equipment and flying with a friend. His family issued a short tribute, while local police, British Skydiving, and East Devon District Council opened inquiries into the incident. The skydiving centre expressed sadness and urged the public not to speculate as a formal investigation proceeds.

Police identified Chas McNeil, a highly experienced skydiver and wingsuit coach from Dorset, as the victim of a fatal jump at Dunkeswell Aerodrome in Devon. Emergency services responded after concerns were raised for his welfare, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigations are underway by police, British Skydiving, and local authorities. Skydive South West confirmed he had been performing a wingsuit jump with a friend and urged the public to avoid speculation as the skydiving community expressed condolences. The incident follows previous skydiving fatalities in the same area last year.

A 49‑year‑old experienced skydiver died during a jump at Dunkeswell Aerodrome in Devon. Emergency services were called around midday and the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Skydive South West confirmed he was a licensed skydiver and wingsuit coach with extensive experience. British Skydiving has launched an investigation, and the incident follows two other fatal accidents at the same aerodrome last year.

A 49-year-old man died at Dunkeswell Aerodrome in Devon after emergency services responded to concerns for a skydiver’s welfare. Police confirmed his death at the scene and notified his family, with an investigation underway. The incident follows two skydiving fatalities in the same area the previous year.

A Swansea man, Thomas Morgan, received a life sentence with a minimum term of 19 years for murdering his five-month-old stepson, Jensen-Lee Dougal, by violently shaking him and causing fatal brain injuries. Morgan claimed the baby had choked, but a jury found him guilty of murder and grievous bodily harm after evidence showed severe trauma. The child died the day after the incident when life support was withdrawn.

Police are investigating a hate crime after bacon was placed on a mosque’s door in Bristol during Ramadan prayers. Avon and Somerset Police increased patrols and released an image of a man they wish to speak to. Officers emphasized community reassurance and urged the public to provide information.

A climber died at St Govan’s Head in Pembrokeshire after an incident involving three people, with two others taken to hospital with non-life‑threatening injuries. Emergency services, including police, coastguard teams, air ambulances and an RNLI lifeboat, responded to the call. Authorities are not treating the death as suspicious and have notified next of kin. A past fatal climbing accident in Snowdonia involving Maria Eftimova is also noted.

A Swansea man, Thomas Morgan, was found guilty of murdering his five‑month‑old stepson Jensen‑Lee Dougal after violently shaking him while enraged following an argument with an ex‑partner. The baby suffered catastrophic brain injuries and died after life support was withdrawn. Morgan denied causing the injuries, claiming he attempted to save the child, but a jury convicted him. Police and prosecutors highlighted the severity of the case and commended those involved in the emergency response and investigation. Sentencing is scheduled for February 25.

British troops participating in NATO’s Winter Camp exercise in Estonia are facing extreme winter conditions near the Russian border, with temperatures reaching minus 30C and deep snow. The drills, involving about 1,250 allied personnel, test cold‑weather capability and form part of Operation Cabrit, the UK’s contribution to NATO’s forward forces. Officers praised troop performance and highlighted the exercise as evidence of NATO’s strengthened posture.

Residents in Burrowbridge fear severe flooding after Storm Chandra brought rapid water level rises and forced Somerset Council to declare a major incident. Lesley and John Parker, whose home flooded badly in 2014, say this event feels more sudden and threatening, criticising the Environment Agency’s response. Additional pumps are running at full capacity, and rain warnings have been issued for the region. Authorities report around 50 affected properties and continue preparing for further deterioration as another band of heavy rain approaches.

A coroner raised serious safety concerns after three people died at Ystradfellte waterfalls in Wales within 18 months, citing poor phone signal and confusing signage as contributing factors. Families echoed concerns about the lack of mobile coverage and inadequate warnings. The coroner called on Natural Resources Wales, the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority and local authorities to enhance safety measures for visitors.

A coroner called for improved safety at the Ystradfellte waterfalls in Powys after three visitors died in 18 months. Concerns included the lack of phone signal, unclear signage and poorly explained routes, particularly for inexperienced walkers. Families of the victims urged stronger warnings, while the national park authority and Natural Resources Wales highlighted existing measures and recent safety investments. The coroner recommended clearer paths, better‑placed signs and consideration of solutions for communication gaps to prevent further deaths.

A body believed to be a missing 47‑year‑old Christmas Day swimmer was found at Sandy Bay after two men were reported in difficulty off Budleigh Salterton. One man, antiques dealer Matthew Upham, remains missing. Police informed both families and continue providing support. Emergency services recovered several others safely from the water, while Upham’s family and singer Kate Bush issued tributes and requested privacy.

An invasive Asian hornet nest has been discovered for the first time in Wales near Wrexham, prompting the Welsh Government to urge the public to remain vigilant and report sightings. Authorities highlighted the threat posed to pollinators, especially honeybees, although the hornets are not generally aggressive unless provoked. Researchers from the University of Exeter recently analysed prey from hornet nests across Europe, finding that the insects feed opportunistically on a wide range of species, including key crop pollinators. The National Bee Unit is assisting Welsh officials in responding to the detection.

James Evans was removed from his Welsh Conservative shadow cabinet role and lost the party whip after leader Darren Millar determined he could not fully commit to the party amid allegations he had engaged with Reform UK about a defection. The dismissal follows recent high‑profile Conservative defections to Reform UK, including Robert Jenrick and Andrew Rosindell.

James Evans was removed from the Welsh Conservative shadow cabinet and lost the party whip after continuing discussions about defecting to Reform UK despite earlier assurances he would not. Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar said full commitment to the party was required. The move follows a series of high‑profile Conservative defections to Reform UK, including Robert Jenrick and Andrew Rosindell, prompting concerns within the party about further departures ahead of local elections.

A long-serving care worker was spared jail after admitting she wilfully neglected a resident by failing to disclose that she mistakenly administered another patient’s morphine, leading to his death from toxicity. A jury had acquitted her of manslaughter, but she received 100 hours of unpaid work. The court heard that the medication had been improperly stored and that she failed to follow required procedures, later concealing the error until after the resident became ill and died. The judge recognised her remorse and low risk of reoffending while noting her decades of service.

A man was sentenced to 35 years in prison at Swansea Crown Court after admitting to attempting to murder his infant daughter by throwing her at a television, leaving her with irreversible brain damage and lifelong care needs. The judge condemned his lack of remorse and refusal to attend the hearing, while the child’s mother described the profound and permanent impact of the injuries. Police responded to the incident in Ceredigion in January 2025, and the defendant later pleaded guilty to attempted murder.

A police officer paid tribute to his wife and two young children who died in a Boxing Day house fire in Brimscombe, Gloucestershire. He attempted to rescue them but was overcome by the blaze. A fundraising campaign has raised over £300,000, and authorities say the fire began on the ground floor and is not considered suspicious.

A Gloucestershire police officer paid tribute to his wife, two children and family dog who died in a severe Boxing Day house fire in Brimscombe. He described their qualities and expressed gratitude for the community’s support as donations to a GoFundMe appeal surpassed £300,000. Emergency services efforts were detailed, and police stated that the fire began on the ground floor and was not considered suspicious. Authorities transferred condolences to a local church at the family’s request while investigations into the cause continue.

Ruth Jones returns as Vanessa 'Nessa' Jenkins in a new BBC programme, Ruth And Steve: From Porthcawl With Love, in which she and co‑star Steve Speirs explore her hometown of Porthcawl. Speirs describes acting alongside the Nessa character for the first time and praises Jones’s transformation into the role. The programme also features Jones revisiting childhood memories and family history as Porthcawl marks its 200th anniversary. It airs on BBC One Wales on 15 December.

A nine‑month‑old baby died from a dog bite at his father’s home in Rogiet, prompting an inquest at Gwent Coroner’s Court, which has been adjourned until August 2026 while police inquiries continue. The child suffered a compressive head injury from a six‑year‑old XL bully that was registered with Defra and later put down. A man and woman were arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dangerously out‑of‑control dog and of child neglect before being released on bail.

King Charles marked his 77th birthday by opening the new South Wales Metro Depot in Taff’s Well, briefly driving a tram-train and meeting Transport for Wales staff. The depot is a £1 billion project set to support 36 tram-trains and create 400 jobs. Earlier, the King and Queen attended a reception at Cyfarthfa Castle, following a period of personal and public challenges for the monarch.

A nine‑month‑old boy died after being attacked by a family XL bully dog at a home in Rogiet, South Wales. Two local individuals were arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dangerously out‑of‑control dog causing injury resulting in death, as well as on suspicion of child neglect, before being released on bail. The six‑year‑old dog was registered with Defra and held an exemption certificate. Gwent Police continue to investigate and urge the public not to speculate and to report any information regarding the dog or the incident.

A nine‑month‑old boy died after being attacked by a six‑year‑old XL bully in Rogiet, South Wales. Police confirmed the dog had been legally registered with a Defra exemption certificate issued in 2024. Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Townsend said the dog was proactively registered before the ban and owners were not required to specify breed for exemption. No arrests have been made, and police continue to investigate while urging the public to avoid speculation.

A nine‑month‑old baby died after a dog attack at a home in Rogiet, Wales, where police and paramedics responded but the child was pronounced dead. Authorities seized the dog involved. Local representatives and residents described deep shock and grief within the community following the incident.

A nine-month-old baby died following a dog attack at a home in Rogiet, Wales, prompting a major emergency response. Police seized the dog, and local officials and community members described widespread shock and grief. They urged calm while authorities investigate and emphasised support for the affected family and neighbours.

Police in Wales are re-examining the 1995 murders of Diane Jones and her two young daughters, hoping new forensic technology will reveal evidence that was previously undetectable. The family, who died in a petrol-fuelled arson attack, has long sought answers after earlier arson convictions were overturned. Investigators say modern techniques may finally identify those responsible, offering the surviving relatives a potential path to justice.

A couple from Flintshire, Michael and Kerry Ives, received life sentences for murdering their two‑year‑old grandson Ethan Ives‑Griffiths after a prolonged period of abuse, neglect and violence. Ethan’s mother, Shannon Ives, was jailed for 12 years for causing or allowing his death. Evidence presented at Mold Crown Court included CCTV of physical abuse, medical findings of severe dehydration, malnutrition, and deliberate injuries, and failures in child‑protection checks. Ethan collapsed from a fatal head injury in August 2021 and died two days later. His father described the profound emotional impact and the cruelty his son suffered in his final weeks.

A prison worker received a suspended 10‑month sentence for misconduct after forming a relationship with a drug‑dealing inmate at HMP Prescoed. The court heard she met the prisoner during night shifts, contacted him using a prison-issued phone and visited him during his home leave, including overnight stays. Her pregnancy, childcare responsibilities and expressions of remorse were cited as reasons to suspend the sentence. A second charge of unauthorised computer access was left on file.