TENBY: Five arrested as police, council and rail bosses launch joint crackdown after station stabbing shocked Pembrokeshire

Four teenagers were stabbed at Tenby station on the evening of Tuesday 7 April during a large-scale disturbance involving a group of youths on the platform. A 16-year-old and a 19-year-old man were arrested at the time on suspicion of Section 18 assault — the more serious category of wounding offence. Both have since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

British Transport Police, who have primacy over the investigation, arrested a further three teenagers on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and violent disorder on Thursday 9 April. All three were also released on bail. BTP Superintendent Jonathon Cooze said the investigation was “progressing at pace” and urged anyone who witnessed the incident, or the events leading up to it, to come forward. Witnesses can contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 916 of 7th April.

Dyfed-Powys Police Superintendent Louise Harries, BCU Commander for Pembrokeshire, described the events at Tenby station as “wholly unacceptable” and issued a clear warning to potential offenders ahead of the summer season. “Dyfed-Powys is home to some of the most picturesque and welcoming locations that our country has to offer, which our residents are lucky to have on their doorsteps, as well as attracting thousands of tourists all year round,” she said.

“As such, we do not want our spring and summer months to be in any way defined by anti-social behaviour or violent disorder taking place, which understandably causes fear and concern,” Superintendent Harries added.

Over the coming weeks and months, police say that members of the public can expect to see a visible police presence in hotspot locations around Tenby. Dyfed-Powys Police say officers will work closely with British Transport Police, Pembrokeshire County Council and Transport for Wales to provide reassurance to locals, business owners and tourists. Where necessary, arrests and prosecutions will follow for any criminal behaviour.

Officers will also be equipped with a range of powers under anti-social behaviour legislation. These include requiring individuals to provide their details under Section 50 of the Police Reform Act, as well as Sections 34 and 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act — which allows officers to direct people to leave a specific area for up to 48 hours.

Local councillors have already called for more police on the streets, with anger running high in Tenby over what many describe as a pattern of rising youth disorder in the town. Superintendent Harries acknowledged the support of the local community, saying reports received into the control room and conversations officers had while out on foot had been “extremely helpful” in building a picture of how to respond.

“Anyone with concerns should never feel like they cannot contact us for support, no matter how minor they feel the issue is,” she said. “All reports into the force help with building intelligence and an understanding of where we need to allocate our resources. We want your community to be a pleasant environment to spend time in, so please inform us of any concerns.”

Richard Brown, Assistant Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire County Council, said the incident had been “deeply concerning” and that the council’s thoughts were with everyone affected. He acknowledged that incidents of this nature cause “anxiety for residents, businesses, and visitors” and said the council was working closely with police and partners to support the ongoing investigation and address wider issues linked to anti-social behaviour.

Brown called on parents and carers to be particularly aware of where young people are spending time in the evenings. “This is a shared challenge, and effective prevention relies on early reporting, strong partnership working and timely intervention,” he said.

Transport for Wales has announced additional security teams will be deployed at stations and on board rail services across west Wales this weekend and throughout the summer. The extra presence will focus in particular on late night services and key locations across the network, supported by CCTV at stations and body-worn cameras worn by train crew.

Security Manager Simon Turton said incidents of serious anti-social behaviour were “thankfully uncommon” but that the railway was committed to ensuring customers and colleagues felt safe. “We’ll have additional security at stations and on-board services, with a particular focus on late night services and key locations across our network,” he said.

Tenby is one of Pembrokeshire’s most popular tourist destinations, drawing tens of thousands of visitors during the Easter and summer seasons. The incident — which took place during the Easter holiday period, when the town is at its busiest — prompted widespread shock and anger across the county, with residents and business owners raising serious concerns about its impact on the town’s reputation ahead of the peak summer trade.

The disorder at Tenby station is part of a wider picture of concern about youth anti-social behaviour in Pembrokeshire’s coastal towns as warmer months approach and visitor numbers rise. All four of the teenagers injured in the stabbing sustained non-life-threatening wounds and received medical treatment at the scene and beyond.

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 916 of 7th April. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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TENBY: “Tenby has been let down” — councillors demand more police on streets as stabbing sparks fury over rising youth disorder

Elected councillors in Tenby have issued an angry call for more visible policing in the town after Tuesday night’s railway station stabbing — with one saying the town has “been let down” and another warning that many residents no longer feel safe in their own community.

Four teenagers aged between 13 and 17, all from the Pembroke area, were stabbed at Tenby railway station on Tuesday evening after serious disorder broke out involving a large group of youths. All four have since been discharged from hospital, with British Transport Police confirming their injuries are not considered life-threatening or life-changing.

A 16-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and both remain in police custody as the investigation continues.

Superintendent Jon Cooze of British Transport Police said the force had launched a thorough investigation and was keeping an open mind as to the background of what had happened. He thanked Dyfed-Powys Police colleagues for their quick actions at the scene and urged anyone who witnessed the incident or the events leading up to it to come forward.

“We understand the concern an incident of this nature will have caused in the community,” he said, “and while we believe it to be an isolated incident, passengers will notice an increased presence of officers in the area who are there to provide reassurance.”

He also asked the public not to share or speculate on footage circulating online while detectives concentrate on their investigation.

But the stabbing, serious as it is, has proved to be the breaking point in what councillors say has been a worsening pattern of youth disorder in the town — one they say police have repeatedly failed to address.

Reports on social media suggest trouble had been building throughout the day, with large numbers of youths gathering on North Beach. Earlier the same evening, Pembrokeshire County Council was forced to close the public toilets near the multi-storey car park after a gang of youths vandalised them.

One resident described the situation as having become “intolerable for weeks.” They said groups of up to 15 youths had been regularly causing havoc in the multi-storey car park, playing rugby in the road, climbing on bus shelters and screaming — and that police had been called several times without result. “There’s never an officer available in our area,” they said. “It’s not good enough.”

Another resident said hundreds of teenagers had been arriving in Tenby by train from across the county during recent days, vandalising toilets, stealing from local shops and abusing and attacking passers-by. “Transport for Wales and the police should be monitoring it,” they said. “With social media, AI and other systems, this behaviour should have been prevented before it escalated.”

Cllr Williams, county councillor for Tenby’s North ward, said the violence itself was not new — only the use of knives. He told the Tenby Observer he had emailed Dyfed-Powys Police about related concerns approximately three weeks ago and had not received a response. Officers are due to visit him at his home on Thursday, when he said he would be making “a very strong argument for a far more visible police presence in Tenby.”

“Tenby has been let down, despite an ever increasing precept being imposed upon us,” he said. “We have a right to feel safe in our community, and I know many that no longer do so.”

He noted that a CCTV monitoring system once operated from Tenby Police Station but that the station now appears to be closed. He said he would also be discussing the town’s needs with the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, county councillor for Tenby’s South ward, described the stabbings as a shock but said the wider problem of anti-social behaviour was well known. He pointed to Dyfed-Powys Police’s summer Operation Lion initiative — which brings additional officers into the town during the peak tourist season — and said he now believes it needs to be extended to other busy periods such as school holidays.

“We know that an increased police presence is an important part of keeping communities safe,” he said. “I will work with all parties to keep Tenby safe and encourage the police and PCC to do all that they can to ensure that this is a one-off incident.”

Tenby Town Council, speaking through Mayor Cllr Dai Morgan, said the behaviour seen this week does not reflect the town’s values or those of the overwhelming majority of its young people. The council called for more visible policing “particularly during busy periods, to provide reassurance to the community and to act as a deterrent to further incidents,” and said it would continue to work with police, Pembrokeshire County Council and partner agencies on longer-term solutions.

Henry Tufnell, MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, said he was deeply saddened by the events. “My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of those involved,” he said. “I know our community will be deeply shocked by these events, but we are all so grateful for the vital services of the emergency first responders on the scene.”

Samuel Kurtz MS, Senedd member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, called for zero tolerance on knife crime. “This kind of violence has no place in our communities and cannot be accepted under any circumstances,” he said. “Those responsible must face the full force of the law. We all deserve to feel safe where we live.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 916 of 07/04/26. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Turns out there's a set of #TfW #TransportForWales #chocolate bars.

Top left: Cardiff Castle - White Flamingo
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Labour candidate backs Metro link to Ammanford and Llanelli as debate grows over West Wales transport

Welsh Labour’s lead Senedd candidate for Sir Gaerfyrddin, Calum Higgins, says new Metro proposals linking Swansea to Ammanford, Llanelli and the wider Amman Valley could deliver long‑awaited improvements for Carmarthenshire communities.

The plans, published by Transport for Wales as part of a major long‑term investment programme, outline new stations across Swansea and upgraded rail corridors stretching west. Supporters say the project could transform travel across South West Wales, while others argue Carmarthenshire needs clearer commitments to ensure it receives its fair share.

‘A major opportunity for West Wales’

Higgins, who lives in Tycroes, said the proposals show a commitment to improving public transport beyond Swansea.

“It’s great to see Welsh Labour’s commitment to investing in public transport being extended to West Wales, including Llanelli, the Amman Valley and West Carmarthenshire,” he said.

He added that strengthening the Heart of Wales line and the Swansea–Llanelli–Carmarthen corridor should be a priority, arguing that better links to Swansea’s major employers and attractions would support the Carmarthenshire economy.

Different views on how far the Metro reaches

The latest proposals follow comments from Green Party councillor Rob James, who argued the Metro vision remains too focused on Swansea and does not go far enough for rural Carmarthenshire. He said communities west of the city needed firmer commitments and clearer timelines.

Higgins did not offer a direct response to those concerns when approached, but pointed to the benefits he believes the project could bring to the county.

Long‑running questions over transport investment

The discussion forms part of a wider debate over transport priorities in West Wales. Residents and councillors have repeatedly called for better rail and bus connections, while campaigners continue to push for progress on the long‑promised St Clears railway station.

For many communities, the issue is not the ambition of the Metro vision, but whether investment will reach far enough west — and how quickly improvements will be delivered.

‘I’ll push for delivery if elected’

Higgins said he would work to ensure Carmarthenshire sees tangible improvements if he is elected in May.

“If elected in May I’ll be pushing for this project to be delivered for the people of Carmarthenshire as soon as possible so we are even better connected and can benefit from the growth in jobs it would bring,” he said.

What happens next

Transport for Wales is expected to refine its Metro plans over the coming months, with further detail on routes, timelines and funding still to be confirmed.

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The ambitious vision from Transport for Wales forms part of a £14bn programme backed by the UK and Welsh governments, with leaders claiming it could transform travel, boost business and create thousands of jobs across South West Wales.

Electrification, new stations and metro links

At the heart of the plans is long-awaited electrification of the main line between Cardiff and Swansea — a move expected to cut journey times and increase capacity.

New stations at Landore and Winch Wen are also proposed, alongside a string of potential metro hubs across the city including Pontlliw, Felindre, Morriston, Llandarcy and Cockett.

There are also plans to improve rail links westwards to communities including Ammanford, Pembrey, St Clears, Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock — areas long calling for better connections.

Further down the line, a £1bn light rail expansion could link Swansea to Neath and Tonna, running through the city centre and waterfront in a move designed to bring trams back to the region.

“Generational change” promised

Rob Stewart said the plans could be a turning point for the regional economy.

“We all want to see better rail links into Swansea and across South West Wales,” he said.

“Transport links from London and the rest of UK to our part of Wales are critical to help deliver a strong local economy.”

He added that electrification and wider investment would “create thousands of jobs in construction and secure thousands more in the long term”.

The council is also banking on sweeping bus reforms to tie the network together, with a new franchising model aimed at delivering “one timetable and one ticket” across rail and bus services.

Linking jobs, hospitals and major attractions

Stewart said new stations would play a key role in connecting people to jobs and services.

“Having a network of new stations across Swansea will be critical in terms of providing direct public transport links to hospitals, major employers including the DVLA and the Enterprise Zone in Llansamlet,” he said.

“They will also serve major attractions including the new Skyline development, Penderyn Distillery and the Swansea.com Stadium.”

Political backing – but pressure remains

Ken Skates said the plans marked “exciting times ahead” for transport in the region, while Swansea West MP Torsten Bell said the project could help reverse years of underinvestment.

“Swansea has been let down by years of underinvestment in our rail system,” he said.

“This consultation is an important opportunity to feed into the development of this vital new infrastructure.”

But will it actually happen?

Despite the bold vision, the announcement comes against a backdrop of frustration in South West Wales — with previous promises failing to materialise.

Swansea Bay News has previously reported anger over the lack of progress on schemes like the long-delayed St Clears station, as well as criticism that the region has been “forgotten” in wider UK rail investment.

There have also been renewed calls for major projects like a multi-million pound rail link to Aberystwyth, while passengers continue to demand better reliability despite recent improvements in punctuality.

Campaigners will also be disappointed that there is no mention of a tram route extending towards Swansea University and Mumbles.

The £14bn plan has been hailed as “generational” — but for many across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire, the real test will be whether it finally delivers on promises that have been years in the making.

Transport and rail: more from Swansea Bay News

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Out at a meatbag meeting today.

The #transportforwales trains have improved a lot since I last needed to leave the house.

I no longer need to crowd surf to the exit when I reach my stop, which is nice.

They’re also nice and modern, but it is mainly the lack of crowd surfing.

RAILWAY HISTORY ROLLS INTO SWANSEA: Unique exhibition train to arrive in city this spring

The travelling attraction – known as the “Inspiration” exhibition train – will pull into Swansea railway station from Sunday 26 April to Tuesday 28 April as part of a nationwide tour.

Organisers say the visit is particularly fitting because Swansea played a key role in railway history as the birthplace of the Swansea and Mumbles Railway, widely recognised as the world’s first fare-paying passenger railway.

The exhibition is part of the nationwide Railway 200 celebrations marking two centuries since the birth of the modern railway.

More than 1,000 visitors attended when the train previously stopped in Llandudno, and organisers hope the Swansea visit will attract similar crowds.

Inside the train, visitors can explore interactive displays, rare railway artefacts and exhibits explaining how the rail network developed – and how it continues to evolve today.

The exhibition has been co-curated with the National Railway Museum, offering what organisers describe as a “whistle-stop tour” through railway innovation.

Josh Bliszko, programme manager at Network Rail Wales and Borders, said the exhibition celebrates the people behind the railway.

“Our railway network is designed, built and operated by people – and Railway 200 is a celebration of those people,” he said.

“We’re delighted to be bringing the Inspiration train to Swansea, where we’ll honour the legacy of those who came before us, celebrate the colleagues who keep the railway running today, and inspire people of all ages who could become the future workforce.”

The event has also been welcomed by UK Rail Minister Peter Hendy.

“I’m proud to be celebrating our heritage as the birthplace of the modern railway,” he said.

“To this day our railway network is the backbone of our economy, driving economic growth, jobs and homes.

“With this train we’re not just looking to the past – we’re inspiring the next generation of engineers, drivers, conductors and technicians.”

The exhibition train has already travelled thousands of miles across Britain and attracted tens of thousands of visitors.

Emma Roberts said the attraction had been warmly received during earlier stops.

“Railways are one of history’s most important inventions and inside this train you can explore the story of rail in a fun and family-friendly environment,” she said.

“Inspiration has already travelled thousands of miles across Britain and it had a fantastic reception in Llandudno, so we are hugely excited to welcome locals aboard in Swansea.”

Tickets for the exhibition are free, although organisers say spaces are limited and visitors are encouraged to book in advance.

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CARMARTHEN: Renewed calls for £775m Aberystwyth rail link in major new transport report

A new report from the Centre Think Tank has thrown its weight behind the long-campaigned-for rail link, arguing that its social benefits would far outweigh the economic costs.

The ‘Getting Wales Back On Track’ report argues that much greater ambition is needed to connect Wales, hitting out at a lack of investment in mid and north Wales.

The report’s author, William Burrows, who holds a master’s in Economics from Swansea University, said Wales has “for too long lacked the transport links needed to grow its economy.”

The Welsh Government has previously conducted a feasibility study on the reinstatement, estimating the cost at £775m. While it found the project was not economically viable, it concluded it would be “socially viable”.

The new report agrees, stating that “the social impact would outweigh the negative economic impacts of the project.”

It argues that reinstating the line would finally link mid and south Wales together, a key piece of infrastructure that has been missing since the original line was closed in the 1960s.

Former First Minister, Lord Carwyn Jones of Penybont, backed the report’s findings in a foreword, noting that during his time in government they had championed the Carmarthen to Aberystwyth railway line.

Lord Jones criticised the historical lack of investment in the Welsh rail network, stating that Wales is the only UK nation with no power to direct Network Rail.

He said the development of the South Wales Metro could be a model for the rest of Wales.

The report also calls for the reopening of Carno Station in Powys and renewed pressure on the UK Government to deliver its long-standing commitment to electrify the North Wales mainline.

However, the proposals have also sparked a political row, with Plaid Cymru’s Transport spokesperson, Peredur Owen Griffiths MS, welcoming the report while slamming the current Welsh Government.

“Wales has been deprived of the funding we deserve for decades,” he said. “From the underfunding of our railways to the unfair Barnett formula – Wales is being ignored, and consecutive UK and Welsh Governments have not been fighting our cause.

“Over their 27 years in power in Wales, Labour have continually allowed Wales to be overlooked and undermined while refusing to stand up to their colleagues in Westminster to demand the funding we deserve – and Wales’ communities are the ones paying the price.”

Mr Griffiths added that the billions owed to Wales from the cancelled HS2 project could prove “transformational” for connecting Welsh communities.

The report’s author, William Burrows, added: “To become a reality, Wales needs fair funding. That means a proper share of HS2 consequentials and a Barnett formula that reflects Wales’s real needs.”

Transport for Wales rail fares to be frozen for a year

The freeze, which comes into effect on St David’s Day (1 March), will apply to all of Transport for Wales‘ regulated and unregulated fares, including season tickets, return tickets, and the new ‘tap-in, tap-out’ pay-as-you-go system.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said the move would provide “certainty to passengers at a time when many are struggling with the cost of living” and make train travel “more attractive and cheaper”.

“More people are choosing to travel by train in Wales, services are growing faster and they are more reliable,” the First Minister said.

“This is as a result of us spending £1.1bn improving the Core Valleys Lines and developing the South Wales Metro. We have also spent £800m in new trains that can carry 80% more passengers.”

The announcement was welcomed by some passengers.

Speaking to BBC News, rail passenger Edward Eggers said: “At least it’s not going up. I’ve got a railcard, as long as it stays at this price, I’m decently happy with it. I would always advocate for it being lower but I think the transport system just needs the money, so I’ll pay what I need to.”

However, the move was criticised by opposition parties.

Plaid Cymru said that to deliver “real, tangible change” in the rail network, the Welsh Government must “begin the process of undoing decades of underfunding of rail funding by Westminster government and the devolution of rail infrastructure – something Labour have failed to demand.”

Reform UK Wales said the Labour government in Cardiff Bay had had a “generation to establish a functioning transport network in Wales” but had “failed to do that and now they’re rightly being punished”.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, added that the fare freeze complements the government’s action to deliver more affordable bus fares and the young person’s fare cap.

The freeze in Wales follows a similar announcement by the UK government for rail fares in England.