EditorTENBY: 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.
Tenby railway station, where four teenagers were stabbed on Tuesday night (Image: Social Media)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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Four teens stabbed at Tenby railway station as two arrested and line closed
Our original report from the night of the incident.
‘Tenby has been let down’: Councillors demand more police on streets as stabbing sparks fury
The community reaction and the calls for urgent action that followed.
