Steve Bagnall

Stage Three of the 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain Women will travel from Mold across North Wales before finishing with a steep climb up the Great Orme in Llandudno. Rolling road blocks and temporary closures are expected from around 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. across Flintshire, Denbighshire and Conwy, with motorists advised to allow extra travel time.

Police are investigating hate-related criminal damage at the former Gronant Institute in Flintshire, where anti-Islam and anti-immigration messages were painted on several buildings. The incident follows weeks of tension over plans to accommodate asylum seekers at the site. Clwyd East MP Becky Gittins said the Home Office has revised the proposal: instead of using 13 of the 15 properties, a maximum of three properties may be used for no more than three families. No asylum seekers are currently being accommodated there. North Wales Police have increased patrols, begun CCTV enquiries and appealed for information.

Two motorcyclists were seriously injured in a collision on the A5 at Glyndyfrdwy near Corwen in Denbighshire on 15 August. Emergency services attended, the road was closed in both directions for several hours, and both injured riders were taken to hospital. North Wales Police are appealing for witnesses and information about the crash.

The Department for Work and Pensions has identified 18 blood conditions associated with 9,729 successful PIP claims, while stressing that eligibility depends on how a condition affects daily living and mobility rather than diagnosis alone. Following a 3.8% annual increase, PIP ranges from £30.20 to £187 per week across its daily-living and mobility components, with the maximum combination equivalent to about £748 per month.

North Wales Live publishes a selection of recent death notices and acknowledgements from across North Wales and other parts of Wales. The notices remember people who have died, describe their family relationships and lives, and provide funeral service details, requests about flowers or clothing, and information about charitable donations in their memory.

Fire crews remain at Abergwynant woods in Eryri after a blaze broke out on Tuesday evening. North Wales Fire and Rescue Service believes the fires were started deliberately and is working with Natural Resources Wales to bring them under control. North Wales Police is investigating, while residents are urged to report suspicious behaviour to 101 and any new active fires to 999.

Services on the Transport for Wales line between Llandudno and Blaenau Ffestiniog have been cancelled in both directions because of forecast severe weather, with disruption expected to continue until the end of 12 August. Replacement buses supplied by Llew Jones will operate most services, although passengers are warned that road journeys will take longer. The cancellations coincide with forecast temperatures of up to 32C across parts of North Wales.

An air ambulance attended a medical incident in central Bala on 11 August 2026, landing in a field near Bala High Street before returning to its Caernarfon base. North Wales Police closed the high street for around two hours and asked the public to avoid the area. The closure disrupted Lloyds Coaches services, but the road and bus routes later returned to normal.

Disqualified driver Brian Butler rammed a Gwent Police car while attempting to escape a pursuit in Newport, reaching 75 mph in a 20 mph zone. He abandoned his Nissan Juke and was later found hiding in a garden by police dog Rizzo. The collision left the police vehicle unroadworthy and caused £9,274 in repair costs. Butler pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified, dangerous driving, driving without insurance and criminal damage, and was sentenced to 16 months in prison. He was also banned from driving for three years and two months and must pass an extended test before reapplying for a licence.

Two people, including a child, were rescued after their motorboat became stuck on rocks near Borth-y-Gest off the Gwynedd coast. Criccieth RNLI deployed both lifeboats, while coastguard teams also attended. One lifeboat later joined a search for a dinghy thought to be drifting offshore near Criccieth, but the operation involving Pwllheli RNLI, Abersoch Coastguard and a search-and-rescue helicopter found no one in danger and was deemed a false alarm with good intent.

Paul Loose, 35, was sentenced to 17 weeks in immediate custody after admitting five shoplifting offences and three breaches of a restraining order. He had stolen goods from businesses across Wrexham to sell on and targeted a store he was banned from entering. North Wales Police said the sentence demonstrated that retail crime was being taken seriously and would provide relief to affected businesses, while acknowledging that custody is not always the best response to offending linked to wider personal issues.

A major fire spread across multiple floors, including the second floor and roof space, of the former Midland Bank building on Commercial Street in Tredegar. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service attended with six pumping appliances and other specialist vehicles, extinguished the fire using hoses and breathing apparatus, and remained at the scene to damp down hotspots. No casualties or cause of the fire were reported.

A photo-led report from the 2026 National Eisteddfod y Garreg Las near Cardigan highlights Emyr Lewis winning the Chair for his strict-metre poetry, alongside performances, crowds and Gorsedd Cymru's induction ceremony. Broadcaster Mari Grug, footballer Joe Allen, singer Aleighcia Scott, Eluned Haf and other figures were honoured for their contributions to Welsh culture, sport, broadcasting and community life. The gallery also features Cabarela's new theatrical production and a charity knitting project.

Gareth Hastie, a Kinmel Bay man serving six years and four months for possessing cocaine with intent to supply, has had £5,100 forfeited under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Police said his criminal enterprise generated more than £94,000 and that searches recovered almost half a kilogram of cocaine, scales and a phone. The seized drugs and related items were also ordered destroyed, while police emphasized their efforts to disrupt drug supply and strip offenders of criminal gains.

The Department for Work and Pensions has identified 25 stomach and intestinal conditions associated with 40,458 successful Personal Independence Payment claims, while stressing that eligibility depends on how a condition affects daily life rather than diagnosis alone. PIP has two components, with enhanced daily living and mobility payments potentially reaching £187 per week, or about £748 per month, following a 3.8% annual increase. Conditions listed include Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, coeliac disease, diverticulitis, hernias and stoma-related needs.

The National Eisteddfod’s Thursday programme highlighted the 75th anniversary of the Osborne Roberts Memorial Prize, a stand-up performance by Elis James, and the award of the Science and Technology Medal to Swansea University professor Siwan Davies for her climate research and promotion of Welsh in STEM. Cardiff band Penbleth won the Brwydr y Bandiau competition, while the Welsh Rugby Union and Macron unveiled new Wales kits inspired by the Welsh dragon and slate landscape. Planning and fundraising are already under way for the 2027 Eisteddfod in Maldwyn Meirionnydd.

A police incident temporarily blocked the B5110 between Brynteg and Marianglas on Anglesey, prompting North Wales Police to advise the public to avoid the area. Police later confirmed they were attending a medical incident, and the road reopened shortly afterward.

A search involving Dyfed-Powys Police, the Coastguard and a helicopter has been launched for Ben, a 47-year-old man from St Davids who told his family he planned to go rock climbing on August 5. He was last known to be considering climbing at Carreg y Barcud near Trelerw or Caer Bwdy Bay, outside St Davids. Police have appealed for anyone who saw or spoke to him after midday to provide information.

The National Eisteddfod’s Wednesday programme featured Jonathan Davies being named Welsh Learner of the Year and Gareth Evans-Jones winning the Prose Medal. The festival also hosted the contemporary and traditional performance Mary Hwyr!, an exhibition in Cardigan marking 850 years since the first recorded Eisteddfod, and a one-off farewell reunion by folk group Hergest, whose original members performed songs from their 1976 appearance.

Craig Lloyd, 38, of Maesgeirchen in Bangor, was ordered by Caernarfon Crown Court to repay £2,617.20 from £255,732.04 calculated as proceeds of his drug crimes. He has three months to pay or faces an additional four-month sentence, and must also pay a victim surcharge after release. Lloyd is serving seven years and one month for possessing cocaine with intent to supply, possessing large amounts of cash and driving offences. Police discovered cocaine worth more than £250,000 in his car after identifying him through Smart Tag forensic spray, and the court also ordered the forfeiture or destruction of drugs and related items.

David Francis, 42, broke into the Morrisons supermarket in Lliswerry, Newport, at about 3:15 a.m. on June 25 and allegedly stole £380 worth of alcohol. Unaware that Gwent Police officers were conducting a covert stakeout after a series of break-ins, he was tackled shortly after smashing into the store. Francis, who is of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to burglary at Newport Magistrates’ Court and was sentenced to four months in prison.

Former BBC newsreader Huw Edwards has been criticised for entering a poetry competition at the National Eisteddfod after pleading guilty in 2024 to making indecent images of children. Actress and abuse survivor Sera Cracroft said it would have been hurtful and potentially catastrophic for survivors if he had won, and argued that it was too soon for him to seek redemption. Edwards’s poem, submitted under the pseudonym Y Gelyn, ranked third and was described by him as a tribute to his father intended to counter press coverage of their relationship. The National Eisteddfod said its anonymous-entry process meant organisers and judges did not know competitors’ identities in advance.

A boulderer suffered a suspected spinal fracture after falling seven metres onto mats at Ffos Noddyn, near Betws-y-Coed, and was treated and carried to the roadside by Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation. The team also rescued two climbers stranded on Tryfan after losing their route in fading light, while three others stranded on the mountain’s opposite side were evacuated by a Coastguard helicopter.

North Wales Police are appealing for information to locate Dylan, a 15-year-old from Greenfield, Flintshire, who has been missing since Saturday, 1 August. He was last seen wearing a grey tracksuit and white T-shirt. Anyone with information is asked to contact police via online webchat or by calling 101, quoting reference MPFN/308/26.

A fire at shops next to Rhyl’s Apollo complex on 31 July was believed to have been caused by a discarded cigarette. Crews from Rhyl, Denbigh, Abergele and Colwyn Bay brought the blaze under control by 21:30 after smoke was seen coming from the building. North Wales Fire and Rescue Service warned that prolonged dry weather has increased fire risks and urged people to extinguish and dispose of cigarettes safely.

Mandy Reynolds suffered a complex triple open ankle fracture after falling on jagged rocks on the Great Orme on April 10, 2025. Wales Air Ambulance clinicians treated her at the scene, realigned and splinted her foot, administered medication and antibiotics, and airlifted her to Royal Stoke University Hospital. After multiple operations and months of rehabilitation, Reynolds had to relearn how to walk and expects lifelong effects from her injuries. She credits the air ambulance team and its aftercare service with saving her foot and supporting her family, and has since raised money for the charity. Family friend Louis Davies also raised £1,814 through the Manchester Marathon and plans to pursue a London Marathon place for the charity.

Five people were arrested on suspicion of affray after reports of a weapons-involved brawl at a car wash on Cardiff Road in Taffs Well. South Wales Police deployed specialist firearms officers, but no injuries were reported and police said there was no wider risk to the public. Investigations into the circumstances are ongoing.

The 2026 National Eisteddfod in the Cardigan area is celebrating 850 years since the first festival and has attracted more than 100,000 expected visitors. Organisers highlighted strong community involvement, including a successful £400,000 fundraising campaign and the rapid construction of the festival site. Martin Huws won the Crown for his work Fan-go, while cultural highlights included Super Furry Animals performing Mwng in Welsh, the musical Sefyll ar y Sgwar, and a major choral competition won by Corgannwg.

Convicted fraudster Pamela Gwinnett has been returned to the UK after being arrested in Tenerife for fleeing while awaiting trial. She was sentenced in her absence to six years in prison for abusing her position as carer to steal almost £300,000 from 89-year-old Joan Green, isolate her from family and neglect her care. Gwinnett must appear at Preston Crown Court and was also ordered to repay £300,000; police said her return may provide Green’s family with a sense of justice.

Daniel Williams-Ellis, 24, has been charged with kidnapping, robbery, supplying a Class A drug and possessing a sharp-pointed article in public following an incident in Bangor on 19 May. He was remanded in custody after appearing at Caernarfon Magistrates Court and is due to appear at Caernarfon Crown Court on 1 September.

A vehicle fire near Rhos on Sea and a separate crash near the Posthouse Roundabout caused major westbound delays on the A55. The Colwyn Bay section was closed between Junctions 20 and 21, with traffic diverted via Conway Road while emergency services attended. One lane later reopened, followed by all lanes, and North Wales Police confirmed the road had fully reopened by 9:55 a.m.; the separate crash near Wrexham Road was also cleared.

A boy suffered a deep wound and suspected arterial bleed after falling from his bike near Shrewsbury Way in Chester. Four members of the public and four Cheshire Police officers provided emergency first aid, applied pressure, used a haemostatic agent and fitted a tourniquet while awaiting an ambulance. The boy underwent extensive surgery, was discharged home and is expected to make a full recovery. Everyone involved has been nominated for a Chief Constable’s Commendation Award.

The Department for Work and Pensions lists 25 skin conditions associated with 27,391 Personal Independence Payment claims as of April 2026. The largest categories are Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, lymphoedema, other unspecified skin diseases, psoriasis and eczema. Eligibility is not automatic: claimants must demonstrate that their condition causes difficulty with daily living or mobility tasks more than half the time over a 12-month period. Payments can reach £114 per week.

A body has been found during the search for Bob, a 66-year-old man who went missing from Corwen on July 26. North Wales Police said formal identification has not yet taken place, but Bob’s family and the coroner have been informed. Police thanked partner agencies, Mountain Rescue teams and local residents for assisting with the search.

Searches are continuing in the Corwen area for 66-year-old Bob, who was last seen at 6:36 a.m. on Sunday, 26 July, wearing a red top and brown-grey shorts. North Wales Police is asking anyone with information to contact the force via its website or by calling 101, quoting reference O120878.

Traffic management on the Menai Suspension Bridge was briefly suspended after a member of the public allegedly abused and harassed workers during the ongoing Phase Two maintenance programme. UK Highways A55 Ltd said operations were reinstated on 28 July but warned that further hostility or disregard for the 7.5-tonne weight limit could lead to police referrals, workers leaving the site and additional bridge closures. The company defended operatives’ use of mobile phones to verify vehicle weights and explained that overweight crossings require precautionary inspections because the AeroTruss platform adds 42 tonnes to the bridge. Repeated incidents are delaying essential maintenance and increasing costs, while alternative safety measures such as height barriers have been rejected because of potential risks.

Electricity bills are set to be exempt from VAT between October 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027, initially projected to save a typical household about £45 annually. Martin Lewis warns that a forecast 5.1% rise in the energy price cap could add roughly £93 to annual bills, effectively eliminating the saving for households on variable tariffs, although customers on fixed deals could see a reduction of about 4.8%. The VAT cut applies only to electricity, and ten major energy suppliers reportedly confirmed they would pass the reduction on to customers. The measure is partly funded by reallocating money earmarked for the digital ID project.

Amlwch on Anglesey is highlighted as a distinctive North Wales destination, particularly for the rust-red, otherworldly landscape of nearby Parys Mountain, a former copper-mining site. The area offers heritage trails, coastal walks, Bull Bay, cafés and parking facilities. A £10.4 million redevelopment of the former Marine Terminal Building has also been approved by Isle of Anglesey County Council, with new waterfront commercial space expected from 2026.

A major fire involving metal waste broke out at a scrapyard on Station Road in Talacre, Flintshire. North Wales Fire and Rescue Service deployed 75 personnel, 12 appliances, aerial ladder platforms and specialist environmental vehicles, while North Wales Police supported the response. Residents were advised to keep doors and windows closed, turn off outside-air ventilation systems, avoid the area and keep roads clear as crews worked to prevent the blaze from spreading.

Two people using wing foils were rescued off the Llandudno coast after wind and an ebbing tide carried them around two nautical miles offshore. Llandudno RNLI located both casualties in blustery conditions, brought them and their equipment aboard, and transported them to shore. One person required medical assessment, and an ambulance was waiting at the beach; the all-weather lifeboat was stood down once the pair were found.

North Wales could experience its fourth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures forecast to exceed the 25°C heatwave threshold for three consecutive days from Tuesday to Thursday. Wrexham may reach 27°C on Wednesday. The warming follows a cooler, wetter weekend and comes amid recent wildfires and drought conditions in parts of the region. The Met Office expects warmer, sunnier weather to return, while warning that conditions farther north may remain cloudier with showers and that the outlook into early August is uncertain.

Fence ownership is not determined by a general rule that homeowners are responsible for the left-hand boundary. Responsibility is normally set out in the original development plans and marked on the property’s title documents, often with a T mark. Corner-plot owners are not automatically responsible for three boundaries either. Legal professionals Daniel J. ShenSmith and Nadine Stevenson advise homeowners to inspect their plans or title deeds, while disputes involving neighbouring trees should initially be addressed through direct discussion or mediation.

Flintshire County Council will introduce parking charges at Wepre Park from July 27, citing rising visitor numbers, pressure on facilities and the need to fund maintenance and manage parking. Charges will range from £1 for two hours to £4 for a full day, with annual permits costing £50. Residents, dog walkers, joggers, parkrun organisers and anglers have criticised the move, warning it could penalise local users and push vehicles into nearby streets. The council has installed additional double yellow lines to address displacement parking.

Two RAF Typhoon jets were scrambled to escort Qatar Airways flight QR23 after it raised concerns among UK civil authorities while travelling from Doha to Manchester. Unconfirmed aviation reports suggested air traffic controllers may have lost contact with the aircraft. The escort was called off before arrival, and the flight landed safely at Manchester Airport at 8:01pm without emergency services attending.

Sheep strayed onto the A55 between junction 16 at the Puffin Roundabout and the Pen y Clip Tunnel, causing minor disruption along the North Wales coast. Traffic officers advised motorists to drive carefully while they managed the incident, and the animals were safely rescued and removed within an hour.

Ceri Ball, a 74-year-old woman from Rogerstone, Newport, died in October 2025 after choking on steak while dining with her husband, Glyn, at a restaurant in Peñíscola, Spain. Restaurant staff and paramedics removed the obstruction and resuscitated her, but prolonged oxygen deprivation caused irreparable brain damage. An inquest at Gwent Coroners' Court concluded that she died from asphyxia caused by food obstructing her airway. Her daughter Lisa Lisseman remembered her as the “glue of the family,” while the family sought help from the Repatriation Services Trust to bring her body home and launched a GoFundMe appeal.

Water has begun returning to the Montgomery Canal at Llanymynech after prolonged dry weather caused river levels to fall and the canal section to dry out completely. The disruption halted boat tours and threatened swans, fish and ducks, although volunteers helped protect affected wildlife. The Canal & River Trust and contractors restored a limited flow, but recovery will take time. Llanymynech Canal Wharf also called for sustained funding and conservation efforts to protect the canal’s ecological, historical and recreational value.

Rain is expected to assist firefighters tackling wildfires across North Wales, particularly at Rhinogydd, where aerial and ground crews are containing remaining hotspots in difficult terrain. Fire officials warn that rainfall may not be sufficient to extinguish the fires, so monitoring will continue over the weekend. Residents are also being warned that shifting winds could carry smoke into communities, especially east of the major fire sites, and are advised to stay indoors when smoke levels are high and to take precautions to prevent further fires.

North Wales Police are appealing for information to locate Kelly, a 36-year-old woman from the Holywell area of Flintshire who may have travelled to Towyn and nearby parts of the North Wales coast. The public is asked to report sightings or information by calling 101 or using the force’s web chat, quoting reference O119892.

Matthew Sims, a 30-year-old motorcyclist, died at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff on 16 July 2026 after a single-vehicle collision on the A487 near Blaenplwyf, Aberystwyth, five days earlier. His family paid tribute to him as a loving father to Emma and Beca and partner to Katie. Dyfed-Powys Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses and information about the crash.

Simon and Connor remain missing after they were last seen heading toward the beach near Hafan-y-Mor in Pwllheli with inflatable kayaks. North Wales Police is continuing the search, while HM Coastguard, Coastguard rescue teams, RNLI lifeboats, an aircraft and a helicopter previously conducted extensive searches without finding the men. Haven is assisting police, and Coastguard involvement was stood down after searches on July 23.

A man was airlifted to Aintree Hospital with serious injuries after an alleged assault on Bath Street in Rhyl. Police, paramedics and an air ambulance attended on the evening of 23 July, while a cordon remained in place for investigation. Residents described the incident as a stabbing, but North Wales Police had not confirmed that characterization, calling it an isolated assault with no wider threat to the public.

A 44-tonne articulated lorry was recorded travelling at 85 mph on the A55 near Broughton during North Wales Police speed-enforcement activity. Additional offences involving the driver's tachograph and lack of a valid Driver CPC qualification were identified, and the driver was reported for summons. Police warned that excessive speed poses a particular danger when involving large, heavy vehicles and said enforcement would continue across North Wales.

A collision on the A55 westbound between Llanddulas and Old Colwyn caused significant delays, with traffic monitoring services reporting queues and partial blockage. Traffic Wales confirmed officers were attending, and congestion gradually eased as the incident was resolved. Live updates tracked conditions and provided location details through mapping and service reports.

Archaeologists discovered a substantial section of a medieval castle wall beneath Chester Crown Court, revealing that significant medieval stonework survived 18th century redevelopment by Thomas Harrison. Digital scans and historical comparisons indicate the structure was part of a 13th century defensive bridge linked to the castle’s inner ward. The find emerged through a collaborative heritage project involving the University of Chester, law enforcement and national heritage bodies, aimed at advancing digital recording methods to combat heritage crime. The project also provided training for regional police officers to support preservation of historic sites.

Police cordoned off part of the coastal path and beach in Abergele after a suspicious item was found, urging the public to avoid the area while the incident is managed. Authorities have been approached for further information, and live updates are being provided as details emerge.

A 56-year-old man died at the scene of a motorcycle crash on the A548 in Bagillt, prompting a police investigation and an appeal for witnesses and dash‑cam footage. Emergency services, including an air ambulance, responded to the incident, and the coroner has been notified.

Emergency crews rescued an injured woman from a North Wales beach as the tide rapidly approached, with RNLI volunteers, Coastguard officers and paramedics coordinating to extract her safely and transfer her to an ambulance. Callum Robinson highlighted the effective teamwork involved and urged coastal visitors to carry a means of calling for help.

A £60 million Innovation Fund has been announced as part of the UK’s broader £3.5 billion Pathways to Work programme, aimed at supporting disabled people and those with long‑term health conditions into employment. The Department for Work and Pensions will invite charities, businesses and technology organisations to apply for grants to pilot schemes that address barriers to work, with applications opening in September 2026. Paralympian Tanni Grey‑Thompson will serve on an expert panel selecting proposals. The initiative accompanies wider welfare reforms, including changes to Universal Credit, enhanced health assessments, and increased use of AI‑driven tools to match people with suitable jobs.

Wales will see a significant partial solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, with Pembrokeshire experiencing up to 94 percent coverage. Timing varies slightly by location, with peak coverage around 7:12 p.m. The eclipse will be visible across the UK, Ireland and parts of Europe, while totality will occur in areas including northern Spain, Iceland and Greenland. Astronomers urge the use of certified solar viewing glasses, warning that ordinary sunglasses are unsafe. The next total eclipse visible from the UK is not expected until 2090, though several substantial partial eclipses will occur over the coming decades.

A couple from Bolton left their jobs to live full-time on a narrowboat, cutting monthly expenses from about £2,000 to £800 after refurbishing a boat bought for £10,000. Inspired by other boating content creators, they now document their travels online while adjusting to off‑grid life and continuous cruising requirements. Despite enjoying the lifestyle’s freedom and lower costs, they face a £10,000 repair bill to fix the boat’s deteriorating base. They travel every 14 days across UK waterways and say they do not plan to return to living on land.

An HMRC error affecting self‑employed people between 2015 and 2024 may have created incorrect gaps in National Insurance records, putting State Pension entitlements at risk for up to 800,000 individuals. Money Saving Expert warns that those who failed to submit a specific CWF1 form alongside self‑assessment may have missed Class 2 NI contributions, potentially costing thousands in pension income. Guidance is provided on checking NI records, identifying contribution gaps, buying missing years, and reviewing eligibility for various NI credits, particularly for carers, parents, and older women who may have been underpaid in the past.

A crash on the eastbound A55 between Llanfihangel and Gwalchmai caused a lane closure and minor delays, with some drivers diverting through Bryngwyran. Traffic Wales confirmed the incident and later reported that all lanes had reopened and conditions were returning to normal by around 4pm.

A joint road safety operation in Ewloe led to the inspection of around 40 commercial vehicles, resulting in multiple enforcement actions including seizures, fines, and the arrest of a wanted man on an extradition warrant. Officers identified serious safety breaches such as uninsured driving, lack of MOT certification, overloaded vehicles, missing tachograph cards, and insufficient driver rest. Several vehicles were immediately removed from service due to dangerous conditions. Police emphasised ongoing enforcement efforts to maintain legal and safe use of the road network.

A crash on the A55 eastbound between Caerwys and Holywell caused significant delays, with Inrix reporting a partially blocked carriageway and queueing traffic. The incident was cleared early afternoon, and traffic began easing. Live updates concluded after confirmation that the road had fully reopened.

A house fire in Bethel, near Caernarfon, destroyed the home of a young mother and her four children, prompting a community fundraising effort that has already raised thousands of pounds. Local residents are donating essentials and seeking temporary accommodation for the family, while fire officials attribute the blaze to a faulty charger and issue safety guidance on electrical use.

Police in Wrexham uncovered several hundred pounds’ worth of illicit tobacco after approaching a poorly parked car with its keys left in the ignition. Officers initially challenged the driver over parking violations before noticing delivery bags in the back seat, which when checked contained illegal tobacco products. The items will be handed over to Trading Standards for investigation, with police highlighting the financial impact of illicit tobacco on public services.

The Plaid Cymru-led Welsh Government’s supplementary budget was rejected in the Senedd after Labour refused to support it amid a dispute over funding for additional learning needs. Teaching unions criticised the pay settlement and ALN funding levels, while Labour argued Plaid’s proposed £40 million allocation was insufficient. Opposition parties, including Labour, Reform and the Conservatives, united against the proposal, resulting in a 49–44 defeat. Plaid ministers warned that key funding commitments were now at risk, while Labour urged renegotiation and a revised budget with increased ALN investment.

The UK Government is implementing a phased increase in the State Pension age from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028, with a further rise to 68 scheduled between 2044 and 2046 for those born after April 6, 1977. An early review may accelerate the shift to age 68 amid concerns over insufficient private retirement savings. The Government Actuary is assessing whether current pension age rules align with life expectancy and expected retirement duration. While the timetable to increase the age from 66 to 67 remains unchanged, the schedule for the rise from 67 to 68 could be revised depending on the review’s findings.

Multiple wildfires swept across North Wales, including one on the Rhinogydd mountains near Harlech that threatened areas around the Shell Island campsite. The blaze was among four major incidents that stretched fire service resources, with the Conwy Mountain fire prompting household evacuations. Smoke affected surrounding communities amid high temperatures and dry conditions, and officials warned that wildfire risk remains extreme as the heatwave is expected to continue through late July.

A North Wales Police detective, Lee Harshey-Jones, appeared at Chester Crown Court charged with upskirting a child, perverting the course of justice, and improper exercise of police powers. He entered no plea, received conditional bail, and a provisional trial date was set for August 2027. The officer, previously involved in a high-profile child murder investigation, has been suspended pending proceedings, with police declining further comment.

A Ravenair flying instructor conducting a routine test flight after a component replacement flew a Piper Tomahawk over North Wales and spelled out “I’m bored,” a message later spotted on flightradar24. Operations manager Wayne Barrett confirmed the flight was authorised, the aircraft was functioning normally, and the pilot faced no disciplinary action, though the incident attracted unexpected public attention.

A fire forced the closure of Golftyn Lane in Northop, Flintshire, with police urging the public to avoid the area while emergency services responded. Live updates reported that the road later reopened, and further information from emergency services was being sought.

A vehicle towing a trailer caught fire on the A55 westbound between Llangefni and Rhosneigr on Anglesey, blocking lanes and causing long delays as emergency services responded. Traffic Wales reported the incident on X, and live updates noted growing queues while further information from authorities was awaited.

A motorcyclist suffered serious injuries in a collision with a van on the A5 between Llyn Ogwen and Capel Curig, prompting the closure of the road for several hours. Midlands Air Ambulance transported the rider to Royal Stoke University Hospital’s trauma unit. North Wales Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage to establish the circumstances of the crash.

A crash on the A470 Conway Road in Llandudno caused significant delays after a car struck a lamppost early afternoon. Police and fire crews attended and the vehicle was recovered, restoring normal traffic flow. Inrix initially reported the incident as a vehicle fire. Authorities have been contacted for further details.

Police issued warnings after increased reports of trespassing and wild swimming at Pant Quarry in Halkyn, stressing that the site is private property and poses serious dangers. Authorities noted that CCTV monitors the area and patrols continue as warmer weather draws more visitors. Residents are urged to ensure children avoid unsafe water and private land.

A multi-vehicle collision on the A4067 near Craig-y-Nos left five people seriously injured, including a five-year-old girl who was airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries. Police arrested two men, aged 39 and 65, on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, with the younger man also suspected of child neglect. Dyfed-Powys Police appealed for witnesses and dashcam footage as the investigation continues.