Holly Morgan

Racist graffiti was sprayed on a beach shelter at Parrog Beach in Newport, Pembrokeshire, with the damage believed to have occurred between August 7 and 8, 2026. Dyfed-Powys Police launched an investigation and appealed for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward, condemning racist and hateful behaviour in the community.

A gull was found trapped inside a cardboard box in Moorland Park, Splott, with both wings glued flat and paper and cardboard stuck to its body. A member of the public took the bird to a vet, and it is recovering but still unable to fly. The RSPCA believes the bird was deliberately targeted and is seeking information, while warning that reports of deliberate cruelty toward wild birds have increased sharply.

Police and fire services across Wales urged the public not to call 999 about a UK Government emergency alert warning of heightened wildfire risk unless there is a genuine emergency. Confusion over the alert, which was sent repeatedly and first appeared in Welsh before English, triggered a surge in calls. South Wales and Mid and West Wales fire services declared major incidents as crews tackled multiple wildfires, with homes evacuated in several communities and assistance arriving from England and the military. Authorities advised people to avoid affected areas, refrain from outdoor fires and barbecues, report suspected deliberate fires via 101, and follow health guidance on smoke.

A crash on the eastbound M4 near Cardiff Gate caused lanes two and three to close during Friday evening rush hour, producing severe tailbacks between junctions 29 and 30. Police, ambulance and fire services attended, while Traffic Wales warned drivers to expect delays. The lanes reopened at about 6:30 p.m., after which traffic gradually returned to normal, although wider congestion remained on parts of the M4 and M5.

A UK Government emergency alert warning people in England and Wales not to undertake activities that could start wildfires was sent repeatedly and in Welsh and English, causing confusion and a surge in non-emergency 999 calls. Authorities are battling numerous fires across Wales, with evacuations in several communities and a major incident near Rhandirmwyn. The government has temporarily banned disposable-barbecue sales and is deploying 100 additional military personnel, while Welsh Labour is criticising the Welsh Government’s response as too slow and calling for the Senedd to be recalled.

Welsh cyclist Finlay Tarling, 19, died after a serious accident during the eighth stage of the Volta a Portugal, prompting the race to be suspended and its podium ceremony cancelled. Tarling, from Ceredigion and a member of the NSN Development Team, had represented Great Britain on the road and track. Portuguese broadcaster RTP reported that the crash involved a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction and unrelated to the race. Tributes were issued by his team, race organisers and the Portuguese Cycling Federation.

Phillip Ormerod, a 102-year-old man from Cwmbran, has died after being critically injured in an alleged assault at The Crow’s Nest pub on August 1. A 56-year-old man from Llanelli, arrested on suspicion of section 20 assault, has been released under investigation while Gwent Police continue their inquiries. Police are appealing for witnesses and warning against inaccurate or speculative online comments.

A 40-year-old man was taken to hospital with a significant injury after an alleged stabbing or serious assault on St Helen’s Road in Swansea. South Wales Police arrested a 36-year-old man from Waun Wen on suspicion of Section 18 wounding with intent; police said the two men are known to each other. The road was cordoned off during the investigation and later reopened, while officers maintained an increased presence for community reassurance.

Large crowds gathered at beauty spots, beaches, parks and organised events across Wales to watch a rare partial solar eclipse. The eclipse was expected to obscure 90% to 96% of the Sun, with viewing in Wales running from approximately 6:13pm to 8:06pm and peak coverage around 7pm to 7:15pm. Cardiff, Swansea, Porthcawl, Rhossili Bay and other locations experienced heavy traffic and long queues for certified eclipse glasses. Viewers shared equipment and photography techniques, while authorities warned against driving in eclipse glasses, unsafe viewing methods, litter-related wildfires and congestion.

A 51-year-old man was found dead in public toilets on Back Lane in Newtown after Dyfed-Powys Police received a welfare report on August 8. His family and HM Coroner were informed, and police said the death was not being treated as suspicious.

Hospital Road in Pontnewynydd, Torfaen, is expected to remain closed until at least Friday and possibly into the weekend while Gwent Police investigate the death of 56-year-old Anthony “Tony” Jones after a reported street brawl. Ten men have been arrested, three released on bail and seven remain in custody. Police are seeking 40-year-old Anthony Paul Jones and a blue Ford Transit van believed to have been involved. Torfaen Council and Wales & West Utilities are implementing traffic controls and accelerated roadworks to ease congestion.

A major wildfire covering approximately 7km near Llangynidr reservoir has continued for three days, with crews from South Wales and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Services working to contain it. Smoke has traveled as far as Gloucestershire and is affecting communities including Blaenavon, Brynmawr, Pontypool and Newport after a change in wind direction. A specialist firefighting helicopter is supporting firefighters, contractors and farmers, while Llangynidr Road is closed and residents are advised to keep windows and doors shut, avoid the area and seek medical advice if affected.

A planned blast at Breedon Group’s Taff’s Well Quarry was followed by a torrent of water, mud and rocks flooding Gwaelod-y-Garth near Cardiff. Fifteen homes were affected, 13 properties were evacuated, pets were killed and roads, homes, sports pitches and infrastructure sustained extensive damage. Breedon and public authorities are supporting residents and conducting investigations, while the Health and Safety Executive and South Wales Police examine the incident. Local politicians and residents are calling for quarry operations in the area to be suspended until the cause and safety risks are fully understood.

Dewi Aeron Evans, 25, from Conwy, was found dead at a campsite near the Royal Welsh showground in Builth Wells on July 18, two days before the agricultural show. An inquest heard that a post-mortem examination indicated a suspected drug overdose, pending toxicology results. The coroner adjourned proceedings while Dyfed-Powys Police complete their investigation and further medical tests are conducted. Three men have been arrested on suspicion of drug-related offences and released on bail. Evans’s family described his death as a huge loss to them and the Uwchaled community.

Residents of Gwaelod-y-Garth near Cardiff described an explosion at Breedon Group’s Taff’s Well Quarry that sounded like an earthquake, followed minutes later by a surge of muddy water through nearby streets and homes. Steve Mordecai said the flood carried him across his garden, ripped off his back door and caused extensive damage to his ground floor, while other families were evacuated or placed in emergency accommodation. Police and fire services remained at the scene, roads were closed, and residents were warned to avoid discolored water downstream. Breedon Group said it was working with authorities and the local community but could not comment further.

A driver was injured on Blaen-Afon Road in Brynmawr after ladders fell from a van and struck the car travelling behind it. The van driver reportedly left before police arrived, while the injured motorist was treated at the scene by Welsh Ambulance Service paramedics. Gwent Police are seeking CCTV and dashcam footage from between 5:30pm and 6pm on 28 July 2026.

A 64-year-old man died at the scene of a road traffic collision on Caerphilly Road in Ystrad Mynach on the morning of July 29, 2026. Gwent Police and Welsh Ambulance Service paramedics attended, and the road remained closed while investigations continued. Police appealed for witnesses and anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage.

Peacocks will close its Pontypool town-centre store in August, prompting fears that declining footfall will worsen for local traders. Businesses including Danny Home, market stalls and a Mexican food outlet are already dealing with weak passing trade, while the closures of Farmfoods and the relocation of Tesco have also affected perceptions of the town. Torfaen Borough Council says it is supporting regeneration through property refurbishments, a new café and an events space, but traders remain concerned about vacant units and the town centre’s future.

Parts of eastern and southeastern Wales could experience another heatwave this week, with temperatures forecast to reach 28C in Monmouth and around 26C elsewhere on Tuesday and Wednesday. Warm conditions are expected to persist into the following week, while western coastal areas remain cooler. Prolonged heat, exceptionally low rainfall and dry vegetation have increased drought and wildfire risks, with major fires reported in Blaenavon and North Wales. Natural Resources Wales has declared drought status in north Wales and the Upper Severn because of low river flows, repeated heatwaves and widespread wildfires.

A large wildfire on Maerdy Mountain near Ferndale spread down the mountainside towards nearby homes, prompting South Wales Fire and Rescue Service to deploy crews, specialist equipment and an all-terrain vehicle. Residents were told to stay indoors, close windows and doors, avoid the area and keep medication or inhalers nearby because of smoke. The blaze was one of several major wildfires in Wales amid prolonged dry weather and newly declared drought conditions, while the Welsh Government activated crisis-management arrangements and Public Health Wales issued health guidance.

Ceri Ball, a 74-year-old woman from Rogerstone, Newport, died in October 2025 after choking on food while dining with her husband at a restaurant in Peñíscola, Spain. Restaurant staff and paramedics resuscitated her and she was taken to Vinaros Hospital, but oxygen deprivation caused irreversible brain damage and she died the following day. A written inquest at Gwent Coroners' Court concluded that her death resulted from asphyxia caused by a food obstruction. Her family described her as the heart of the family and sought help from the Repatriation Services Trust to bring her body home, later launching a GoFundMe fundraiser.

A large wildfire near Blaenavon has expanded to 200 hectares with a 5km perimeter, prompting warnings that shifting winds may push smoke toward Newport. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has contained the blaze’s perimeter but expects smoke to affect communities as atmospheric conditions change. Residents are advised to stay indoors and keep windows closed during periods of smoke. Fire crews, supported by partner agencies and specialist equipment, continue to work in difficult terrain to suppress hotspots and prevent further spread while the public is urged to avoid the area.

Police launched an attempted murder investigation after two men were injured in an early morning incident on Baird Close in Newport. Officers and paramedics responded, and both victims were hospitalised with non-life‑threatening injuries. A 23‑year‑old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, and a 22‑year‑old woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. Both remain in custody as forensic teams continue inquiries, with authorities appealing for information.

An inquest heard that Joshua Dean Roberts died after riding an e‑bike on the wrong side of the A48 near Chepstow and colliding with a bus. Emergency services transported him to Southmead Hospital, where he died four days later. A provisional post‑mortem cited multiple brain hemorrhages and injuries caused by the collision. The coroner adjourned the inquest as investigations continue. His family issued a tribute expressing heartbreak, and police appealed for information related to the incident.

A female Jack Russell type dog and her four puppies, all suffering from skin conditions, were found abandoned in a crate on a secluded lane in Kenfig Hill, Bridgend. Hope Rescue in Pontyclun took the dogs into care and is appealing for information due to concerns about their treatment and the possibility of other animals being at risk.

A 27-year-old man was arrested on Holton Road in Barry after police responded to reports of an individual carrying a knife. South Wales Police confirmed no injuries occurred and the suspect remains in custody.

Armed police shot and injured a 21‑year‑old man who pointed a large crossbow at officers during a late‑night incident on St Edward Street in Newport. Residents described hearing shouting before police surrounded the property and confronted the armed man, who appeared at a window and later emerged at the door with the weapon raised. Officers provided immediate medical aid, and the man remains in stable condition. Gwent Police stated the event was isolated, posed no ongoing risk to the public, and urged anyone with relevant footage or information to come forward.

A couple in Halkyn, Flintshire, are calling for stricter regulation of large holiday rentals after alleging persistent late-night noise and loss of privacy from a nearby luxury Airbnb. Their Senedd petition seeks clearer council powers on licensing, noise management, and penalties for repeated disturbances, prompting nearly 1,000 signatures since its launch. Supporters cite growing community disruption across north Wales, while critics argue the sector already faces heavy bureaucracy and warn further rules could harm tourism and property viability. The debate highlights tensions between residents, holiday-let operators, and policymakers over balancing community wellbeing with the local tourism economy.

Police responded to an early morning assault on Cowbridge Road East in Cardiff, where a 34‑year‑old man was taken to hospital by the Welsh Ambulance Service. A cordon remains in place as South Wales Police investigate, with the area closed between Saffron Cafe and Tesco Express.

A major fish die-off occurred on the Afon Dulas in Conwy after parts of the river dried up during the year’s third heatwave. Residents and anglers attempted rescue efforts as water levels fell to isolated pools, but thousands of fish perished. While locals suspect upstream interference or storm‑related changes to the riverbed, Natural Resources Wales attributed the conditions to low rainfall and warned that relocating fish during extreme heat can do more harm. The agency found no significant abstractions affecting flow but noted that small unregulated abstractions may contribute during dry periods. Volunteers called for collaboration between NRW and Conwy Council to find long‑term solutions as hotter summers increase the risk of rivers running dry.

A 21-year-old man, Rowan Booth from Prestatyn, died after getting into difficulty while paddleboarding at Llyn Geirionydd in Eryri National Park, despite a major rescue effort. His employer and family have issued heartfelt tributes describing him as kind, devoted, and deeply loved. A GoFundMe campaign for funeral costs has raised nearly £4,000 as friends and relatives mourn his loss.

Extreme heat has caused a shortage of operational trains across Wales, leading to widespread cancellations on major routes including Newport to Ebbw Vale Town, Machynlleth to Aberystwyth, and Chester to Wrexham. Services between Wolverhampton and Birmingham International are also suspended until the evening while air‑conditioning systems are checked. Passengers are advised to travel only if essential, expect crowded and warm trains, and use alternative bus and rail operators accepting tickets. Network Rail warns that high temperatures can impact track stability, power lines, and signalling systems, though the main issue today is insufficient train availability.

Two Indian takeaway workers, Waseel Shikel and Azad Ahmed, drove two vulnerable girls in care to remote locations, supplied them with drugs and alcohol, and raped one of them on two separate occasions in 2021. Both men denied the allegations but were convicted of facilitating travel for exploitation, with Ahmed also convicted of rape and sexual activity with a child. Judge Lucy Crowther called them dangerous offenders who pose a high risk to young girls, citing their manipulation, lack of remorse, and deliberate targeting of vulnerable victims. Each received a 16‑year extended sentence, comprising 12 years in custody and four on licence, along with lifetime restraining orders. The Crown Prosecution Service commended the victim’s bravery in securing the convictions.

A shark-like creature washed ashore on Newton Beach in Porthcawl is believed by wildlife experts to be a smooth-hound, a species facing global population decline due to commercial fishing and habitat degradation. Marine biologist Dr. Sarah Perry noted that common smooth-hounds are classified as Endangered and starry smooth-hounds as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. The species, common in UK coastal waters, is frequently caught and released by recreational anglers but remains vulnerable due to slow maturation and low reproductive rates.

An inquest has opened into the death of Clare Evans, who was found unresponsive at her home in Cardiff on February 3 and died the following day at the University Hospital of Wales. A post‑mortem examination provided an indeterminate provisional cause of death, making an inquest mandatory. The coroner adjourned the case for a full hearing and offered condolences to her family.

A 19‑year‑old student, Sean Kanyoza, died after being pulled under a waterfall by a strong current at Pontneddfechan in Bannau Brycheiniog, an area where several similar deaths have occurred in recent years. Emergency services were unable to save him, and an inquest has been opened with the cause of death pending further tests. The coroner, Rachel Knight, expressed condolences and reiterated previous calls for clearer safety signage and improved mobile phone coverage following multiple fatalities in the region’s waterfalls over the past seven years.

A Cardiff man, Colm Marcus Boston, died on Boxing Day after sustaining multiple injuries in an alleged assault in the Cathays area. An inquest heard he suffered a traumatic head injury and died following intensive care treatment. A provisional post‑mortem identified brain swelling and a subdural haemorrhage as the cause of death. Four individuals have been arrested and bailed as investigations continue. The coroner will set an inquest date pending the outcome of any criminal proceedings, and the family issued a statement expressing grief and gratitude toward hospital staff.

Emergency services responded to multiple major incidents across Wales, including a large fire at an oil facility in Milford Haven, serious road collisions, assaults, and sudden deaths. Tributes were paid to rugby legend Bob Penberthy, and an inquest revealed details in the stabbing death of 14-year-old Lilly Jones. Authorities issued warnings over hazardous counterfeit toys, while proposals for a new Swansea–Devon ferry highlighted potential economic developments. Weather forecasts predicted warm, bright conditions for the day.

A Land Rover Discovery caught fire on Tyndall Street in Cardiff, prompting road closures, bus diversions, and an emergency response from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, and police managed traffic while the damaged vehicle was recovered. The road has since reopened, with no significant delays reported.

A Swansea man, Dominik Szymanski, received an extended 16‑year sentence for raping and violently assaulting a vulnerable woman he had met in the city centre before dragging her half‑naked into a lift, an incident captured on CCTV. The victim, who later died after giving evidence at trial, had her dog taken and offered for sale by the offender. Jurors convicted Szymanski of rape, assault causing actual bodily harm, and theft, with the judge designating him a dangerous offender who must serve two‑thirds of his custodial term before being considered for release. Police described the attack as prolonged and significant, highlighting CCTV evidence that contradicted Szymanski’s denial.

Police charged Ciaran McConnell with grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon after a 20-year-old man was critically injured in an alleged assault in New Quay. The victim is now in stable condition. A second man was arrested and bailed, and officers are seeking witnesses and security footage as part of the ongoing investigation.

Police charged 37-year-old Ciaran McConnell with grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon after a 20-year-old man was critically injured in an alleged assault in New Quay. The victim’s condition has stabilised, and another man was arrested and bailed on suspicion of assault. Officers are appealing for witnesses and requesting security footage from the area to assist the ongoing investigation.

A person was pronounced dead at Pyle railway station in South Wales after police, paramedics and an air ambulance responded to reports of a casualty on the tracks shortly before midnight. British Transport Police confirmed the death is not being treated as suspicious and that a file will be prepared for the coroner.

Police in Caerphilly arrested a 51-year-old suspected shoplifter who attempted to hide in the rough of a golf course. With supporting units distant, officers used a golfer’s buggy to transport the man back to their vehicle before taking him into custody for questioning.

Live updates from across Wales report traffic delays, weather forecasts, police appeals and several major incidents, including a man charged with attempted murder in Aberystwyth, the death of journalist Trevor Fishlock, a bus crash closing the A40, and court cases involving serious violent crimes. Additional reports cover a sudden restaurant closure, funeral proceedings for Richard James Coffey, and a family’s concern over the potential early release of a driver convicted of causing a fatal crash. Weather forecasts and widespread traffic updates round out the coverage throughout the day.

A National Police Air Service plane circled several Cardiff areas for more than five hours while supporting South Wales Police with ongoing incidents across the force area. The aircraft focused on Ely, Gabalfa, Rumney and later the city centre and St Mellons. Residents reported concern, linking the activity to recent issues involving e‑bike related anti‑social behaviour and robberies along the Taff Trail. Police have previously increased patrols and issued a dispersal order in Gabalfa following reports of dangerous riding and related crime, with current force priorities including drug activity, anti‑social behaviour and e‑bike theft.

A collision between a Scania bus and a Ford Transit van on the A40 near Llandeilo resulted in the death of the van’s driver and injuries to the bus driver and a 14-year-old passenger, who were taken to Glangwili Hospital. Emergency services, including an air ambulance, attended the incident, leading to a full road closure and traffic delays. Authorities have appealed for information and dashcam footage as the investigation continues, and the crash follows another recent bus incident in Carmarthenshire.

Hundreds gathered in Port Talbot for the funeral of Richard James Coffey, known as Dickybird, marked by Irish‑themed colours, a white Jaguar hearse, and elaborate floral displays. A horse‑drawn carriage, photo tributes and symbolic decorations honoured his life as family and friends remembered him as a humorous and beloved character who died suddenly at age 50.

A flat on Alma Street in Newport was shut for three months after Gwent Magistrates’ Court granted a closure order in response to repeated reports of anti‑social behaviour. Residents were required to leave the property, and police warned that entering the address during the order period would constitute a criminal offense. Officers said the action followed community concerns, with local policing teams gathering evidence during Anti-social Behaviour Awareness Week.

Emergency services responded to a crash on the M4 eastbound between Junctions 27 and 26 in Newport, causing delays of around 20 minutes and slow traffic in the area. One lane was closed as police and paramedics attended the scene, with AA monitoring systems reporting decreasing delays through the evening. Traffic later returned to normal, though minor congestion persisted near St Julian’s.

A large fire broke out at the former Aberthaw Power Station in the Vale of Glamorgan, sending thick black smoke over the area and prompting warnings for residents in Rhoose and Font‑Y‑Gary to keep windows and doors closed. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service deployed numerous crews and specialist equipment to contain the blaze, which began Thursday morning. Contractors had been demolishing the site as part of a redevelopment project led by CCR Energy, whose personnel were confirmed safe. Local politician Andrew RT Davies expressed concern and thanked firefighters as efforts to control the fire continued.

Weather forecasts, transport disruptions and road closures were reported across Wales alongside several incidents including crashes on major routes, a police search in the River Wye that resulted in the discovery of a body, and appeals for information on a missing man. Updates covered ongoing travel delays, cancelled rail services and preparations for large events in Cardiff. Police charged a Newport man with multiple burglaries and arrested a suspect in a child kidnapping investigation. Coverage also noted a dispute between Wales rugby players and the WRU that was resolved ahead of the Nations Championships.

Bricks and metal poles thrown onto the M4 near the Brynglas Tunnels damaged two vehicles, including an NHS emergency response vehicle, prompting police to close a lane and search the area. One driver suffered minor cuts from broken glass. No suspects were found, and Gwent Police are continuing the investigation while asking motorists for dashcam footage and information.

A 35-year-old man from Lancashire was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and carrying a knife following reports that a 12-year-old girl was kidnapped in Treherbert. The girl has been safely reunited with her family, and police confirmed earlier reports of a boy being abducted were incorrect. The suspect remains in custody as South Wales Police continue their investigation.

Emergency services located the body of an 18-year-old man after a multi-agency search along the River Wye in Glasbury, Powys. Police, fire crews, mountain rescue and the police air service began searching after the teenager was reported to have entered the water and gone missing. The road nearby was closed during the operation, and authorities asked the public to avoid the area while investigations continue, with the man's family notified and receiving support.

Police responded to two separate reports of kidnappings involving a 12-year-old girl and boy in Treherbert within 24 hours. Both children were found safe with their families, and one person has been arrested in connection with the report concerning the boy. The individual remains in custody as investigations continue.

A 17-year-old boy was seriously injured in a stabbing on Gwawr Street in Aberaman and remains in hospital. Police arrested an 18-year-old man from Llantrisant on suspicion of attempted murder and grievous bodily harm, and he remains in custody. A significant police presence was reported near a local KFC as investigations continued.