Police disperse crowd of more than 100 teenagers after house party spirals out of control

South Wales Police confirmed officers were called to Croft Goch Road, Kenfig Hill, just before 9pm on Saturday, September 13, following reports of a large group of youths in the street.

Video and images captured by residents show crowds of teenagers spilling out of a property and gathering across the road as police arrived.

Neighbour Jayne Llewellyn, 42, said she was stunned when she opened her front door to an Amazon delivery driver and saw the scene outside.

“It was total chaos. I opened the door to an Amazon delivery to see well over 100 teenagers in the street and I couldn’t believe my eyes. The whole road was taken over – I didn’t know our county had that many children in it. I phoned the police after I saw bottles being thrown and smashed in the road.”

She added that she spent the rest of the evening sweeping broken glass from the road and pavements to prevent damage to cars.

Police said there were no reports of violence and no offences were identified.

A spokesperson said:

“Upon arrival officers found over 100 teenagers gathered in the street. While several distinct groups were spread across both sides of the road there were no signs of fighting or violence.

“Additional units quickly arrived, dispersing the crowd. The gathering reportedly stemmed from a birthday party advertised on social media.

“Those who remained were escorted to Pyle Railway Station where officers accompanied them to Bridgend and Maesteg.”

Social media reaction

Footage of the incident shared online has prompted a wave of comments from local residents and parents.

One parent admitted: “My daughter is amongst them too somewhere, I think it’s half of Cynffig comp… it was supposed to be a small house party with friends that ended up on social media and turned into this!”

Others compared the scenes to a teen movie, with one comment reading: “It’s like an American Pie film scene lol.” Another added: “Good god, what size house did they party in? Be like sweaty sardines haha.”

While some neighbours expressed frustration at the disruption, others were more relaxed, with one poster saying: “They didn’t seem to be fighting. Let them be kids.”

Gorseinon pensioner jailed for sexual assaults on women in their 20s

Stewart Read, of Gower View Road, was convicted at trial of nine counts of sexual assault. Swansea Crown Court heard he repeatedly touched two women in their 20s, both under and over their clothing, at a number of locations around Swansea.

The court was told the abuse had a profound impact on the victims. One said it had affected “every part of my life”, while the other described being left feeling “unworthy and broken” and said the trauma had led her to turn to drink and drugs.

Judge: ‘He enjoyed the power’

Sentencing, Judge Catherine Richards said it was clear from the evidence that Read had manipulated his victims and “enjoyed the power” he exerted over them.

Read, who continues to maintain his innocence, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison. He will serve two‑thirds of the term in custody before being released on licence, and will be a registered sex offender for the rest of his life.

Police: ‘A dangerous individual’

Detective Constable Sarah Cook, of South Wales Police, said:

“Stewart Read is clearly an incredibly dangerous man who repeatedly laid his hands on women in a sexual manner without their consent.

He obviously derived a sick pleasure from what he was doing, and his not guilty pleas show that there is absolutely no remorse in him.

It is absolutely right that he spends multiple years in prison. The victims have shown great courage and resilience throughout this process, and I want to thank them for coming forward and helping South Wales Police to put a dangerous individual in prison.”

Support for survivors

South Wales Police said they recognised how difficult it is for survivors of sexual abuse to speak out, but urged anyone affected not to suffer in silence.

Information and details of support services are available on the South Wales Police website.

Bridgend man jailed for brutal attack on elderly neighbour

Ashley Morris, of Park Street, launched the assault on 12 March in the car park outside the block of flats in Brackla where both men lived.

The court heard the victim had just returned from his local shop when Morris approached him and told him to “smile now”. When the pensioner asked what he meant, Morris replied that he would “make him smile now” before punching him to the ground.

Morris then pinned his neighbour down and repeatedly punched him in the head and face before kicking him as he lay on the floor.

Covered in blood, the victim managed to stagger to a family member’s house nearby and raise the alarm.

Arrest and sentence

Morris was arrested at his nearby flat shortly afterwards and charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He later pleaded guilty.

On Monday 15 September, he was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court to 42 months in prison.

Police: ‘A dangerous individual’

Detective Constable Georgina Prince, who led the investigation, said:

“Ashley Morris subjected his elderly neighbour to a brutal and sustained attack which was totally unprovoked.

He left his victim for dead on the floor before returning to his flat, as though nothing had happened. There has never been any sense of remorse.

He is a dangerous individual and belongs in prison where he can no longer be a threat to others.

I would like to commend the victim in this case who showed immense bravery throughout his ordeal. I hope he can take some comfort from knowing that his attacker will spend a considerable time in prison.”

Police appeal over July substation fire that knocked out lights on major Swansea route

The blaze happened between 5.15pm and 5.40pm on Monday 28 July on Heol y Gors, forcing the closure of the road between Cwmbwrla roundabout and Gors Avenue. The outage left multiple sets of lights on the A483 Carmarthen Road – a key route into the city from the west – out of action during the evening rush hour.

At the time, police warned of significant disruption, with thick smoke in the area and National Grid engineers called in to make the site safe.

Appeal for dashcam footage

Officers have released a CCTV still of a man they want to identify. The image is blurred, but shows a young male wearing a fluorescent yellow T‑shirt.

They are asking anyone who was in the area at the time and who may have dashcam footage featuring the individual to get in touch.

Information can be given to South Wales Police via:

• Live Chat at south-wales.police.uk
• Online form at bit.ly/SWPProvideInfo
• Phone: 101, quoting reference 2500241253

Details can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the Crimestoppers website.

Birmingham men jailed after dealing Class A drugs in Swansea

38-year-old Ayaz Hussain and 33-year-old Asam Bashir were identified during an investigation into a county lines drug supply gang. Both were driving into Swansea on February 27 when officers deployed a stinger, leading to their successful arrest.

Substantial quantities of heroin and crack cocaine were located within their vehicle.

Ayaz Hussain has been sentenced to seven years and six months in prison for possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin, and being concerned in their supply.

Asam Bashir, who pleaded not guilty in March but was found guilty in August, has been sentenced to seven years and eight months in prison for the same offences.

Sergeant Luke Tucker said:

“Ayaz Hussain and Asam Bashir were both heavily involved in the supply of Class A drugs into Swansea.

“These illegal drugs have devastating consequences on the people further down the chain who end up using them, not to mention their family, friends and wider communities.

“Hussain and Bashir were clearly significant players in this illegal activity, and their heavy sentences reflect that. People like them are not welcome on the streets of Swansea, and it’s great to see criminals like them going to jail.”

[Lead image: South Wales Police]

Swansea man jailed after disgraceful car theft

31-year-old Liam Bolton, from Treboeth, Swansea, and 26-year-old George Payne, from St. Mellons, Cardiff, both entered an address on Grove Road, Pontardawe on February 4.

The car they stole was later found unattended without the key on Tudor Road, Treboeth.

Bolton pleaded not guilty to the offence of burglary dwelling and theft, but was found guilty on September 10. He has been sentenced to four years in prison.

Payne changed his plea to the same charge from not guilty to guilty in July. He was jailed for 30 months.

Detective Constable Andy Williams said:

“Criminals like Liam Bolton and George Payne are the sort of people who make others in their community feel unsafe in their own homes.

“To know that strangers have entered your home will be extremely distressing for anyone. However, these are two men who do not care about anyone else but themselves.

“It is good to see that both will be spending considerable time in prison as a result of their actions. The streets are safer without them out there waiting to prey on their next unexpecting victim.”

[Lead image: South Wales Police]

Loughor man jailed for running multi‑drug supply operation

Oliver Nancarrow, of Beili Glas, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court to three years and nine months in prison after pleading guilty to possession and being concerned in the supply of cocaine, ecstasy, psilocin, ketamine, cannabis, LSD and MDMA, as well as possessing criminal property.

The court heard Nancarrow came to police attention during an unrelated investigation when officers identified his number in seized phones. Subsequent enquiries linked him to a drugs line offering a range of substances, with bulk text messages advertising prices and even “tester” samples of cocaine to potential customers.

When South Wales Police’s organised crime team searched his home on 7 July, they found quantities of Class A and B drugs, £3,410 in cash, and six mobile phones — two of which contained messages tying him to the supply of a large list of drugs. Officers also recovered packaging branded “Head Chef”, hidden storage containers, and lists of debts.

In total, police seized cocaine, ecstasy tablets and powder, LSD tabs, magic mushrooms, cannabis and ketamine, with an estimated street value of more than £13,000.

Judge Geraint Walters described the operation as “sophisticated”, noting concealment methods including magnetic storage boxes designed to attach to vehicles.

Sergeant Luke Tucker, of South Wales Police, said:

“Oliver Nancarrow is another young man who has now thrown away years of his life due to involving himself in the illegal drugs trade. Like so many others before him, he was motivated only by financial greed, and did not care for how many lives would be damaged as a result of the drugs being used. He is rightfully starting a sizeable sentence in prison.”

Nancarrow will serve up to half his sentence in custody before being released on licence.

Crynant man jailed for child sex offences after grooming schoolgirl

Liam Peat, of Heol y Graig, admitted two counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged between 13 and 15. He changed his plea from not guilty to guilty at the start of his trial at Swansea Crown Court in May.

The court heard Peat began messaging the victim via Snapchat when he was 19. Their conversations became sexual, and he went on to meet her in person. The pair had sexual intercourse on multiple occasions after she turned 14, with the court told that protection was rarely used.

The offending culminated in the girl becoming pregnant. She initially did not feel able to make a formal complaint, but later contacted police in April 2023 to pursue the case.

Peat was arrested and initially claimed he believed the girl was older, but later admitted knowing her true age.

Police statement

Detective Constable Annie Rees, of South Wales Police, said:

“Liam Peat maintained that he did not know the age of the victim up until the first day of his trial. However, changing his plea to guilty proves that he was well aware of her age and of the fact that what he was doing was illegal.

This will have caused an immense level of trauma for the victim and her family. We hope that with this sentence they can come to terms with what Liam Peat has done and can begin to move on with their life.”

Peat was sentenced to 45 months in prison. He will serve up to half in custody before being released on licence, and will be a registered sex offender for life. He was also made subject to a 10‑year sexual harm prevention order.

South Wales Police said it hoped the case would reassure survivors of sexual abuse that they will be listened to, treated with dignity and respect, and supported throughout the judicial process.

Anyone affected by sexual abuse who is not yet ready to report to police can find information and details of support services on the South Wales Police website.

Baglan man jailed after indecently exposing himself in public

50-year-old Scott Thomas, from Baglan, flashed his genitals and backside towards passers-by as he walked along Dunraven Street, Aberavon at around 7am on Friday, July 18.

Thomas immediately admitted the offence upon arrest.

He has been sentenced to 26 weeks in prison. He will be required to register with the police in accordance with the Sexual Offences Act 2003 for a period of seven years.

PC Rachael Travers said:

“Scott Thomas’s actions were completely unacceptable and will have caused alarm to those who saw him in Dunraven Street, especially at that time of morning.

“He will have known the likely consequences of what he was doing. Those consequences are now a reality for him.”

[Lead image: South Wales Police]

Thousands of shoplifting cases go unsolved in South Wales and Dyfed‑Powys as charge rates remain low

House of Commons Library data obtained by the Welsh Liberal Democrats shows that in 2024‑25, 6,734 shoplifting investigations in South Wales and 946 in Dyfed‑Powys were closed with no suspect identified. That’s the equivalent of more than 21 incidents a day going unsolved across the two force areas combined.

South Wales Police recorded a charge rate of 25.3%, while Dyfed‑Powys Police charged or summoned suspects in just 13.6% of cases. Across Wales, 13,077 shoplifting investigations were closed without a suspect — around 35 a day.

The Liberal Democrats say the figures highlight the scale of the problem and the impact on local businesses, warning that shoplifting is “not a victimless crime” and that staff are increasingly at risk from persistent offenders.

David Chadwick MP, Welsh Liberal Democrat for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, said:

“These shameful figures show the impact years of cuts to our police by the Conservatives had on society. This Labour government must now right these wrongs and crack down on shoplifting. Shoplifting is at epidemic levels in Wales now, with many business owners feeling like it has all but been decriminalised and many retail staff increasingly being put in harm’s way.”

Cllr Sam Bennett, the party’s Senedd candidate for Gwyr Abertawe (Swansea & Gower), added:

“Shoplifting is not a victimless crime; it does a huge amount of damage to our local businesses and those who work in them. It’s time for the government to scrap Police and Crime Commissioners and invest the money in frontline policing instead. That way we can get more bobbies on the beat and stop this lawlessness on our high streets.”

The party is calling for the role of Police and Crime Commissioners to be abolished, with the funds redirected to frontline policing.

Wider picture

Retail trade bodies have previously warned that rising shoplifting rates are linked to organised crime as well as opportunistic theft, and have called for tougher enforcement alongside better support for shop workers.

Police seize 17 e-bikes and make seven arrests in Swansea city centre crackdown

Operation Lathyrus was launched in June to tackle the illegal and dangerous use of e-bikes and e-scooters in the city. Officers began by engaging with riders and local food outlets to raise awareness of the law before moving to enforcement in August.

Under the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (Amendment) Regulations 2015, e-bikes can be used on public roads and cycle paths in Wales if they have pedals, a maximum power output of 250 watts, provide assistance only when pedalling, and cut out at speeds above 15.5mph.

Enforcement results

The first enforcement day on 6 August saw officers stop 30 riders. Twenty were found to be compliant, while 10 bikes had been illegally modified or exceeded the legal power limit. Those bikes were seized and the riders reported for offences under the Road Traffic Act. Two riders were arrested for unrelated offences.

A second operation on Friday 29 August stopped a further 40 bikes. Seven were seized and five arrests made, with the remaining 33 compliant with legislation.

In total across the two days, 70 riders were stopped, 17 e-bikes seized and seven arrests made.

Police warning

City Centre Neighbourhood Inspector Andrew Hedley said:

“Whilst we will continue to educate riders in relation to the law and advise them of their actions, anti-social use of these e-bikes and e-scooters will not be tolerated. Those continuing to break the law will be dealt with more robustly.

“The results during the operation show that many people are using e-bikes lawfully and are open to receiving further education from officers in relation to appropriate use. However, over 30% of the stops showed that these bikes were non-compliant and illegal. Enhancing the power of the bikes not only provides an increased risk to members of the public, but also to the rider.”

South Wales Police say Operation Lathyrus will continue to target riders who disregard the law and negatively impact those living, working and visiting Swansea city centre.

(All images: South Wales Police)

Man found dead at Rhossili beach

Police were called to the scene at Rhossili beach on the Gower Peninsula in Swansea at about 19:15 on Wednesday, following a report of a body having been discovered.

Locals reported seeing emergency services rush through the village of Llangennith towards the beach, while a coastguard helicopter circled overhead.

A Coastguard spokeswoman said:

“HM Coastguard responded to an incident in the Rhossili Bay area on Wednesday night, August 27.

“Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team, a coastguard search and rescue helicopter and a lifeboat from Burry Port RNLI were sent to the scene.

“Alerted at around 7.30pm, Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team, a coastguard search and rescue helicopter and a lifeboat from Burry Port RNLI were sent to the scene.”

A statement from South Wales Police said:

“Officers were called to Rhossili Beach, near to Hillend Camping Park, at around 7:15pm yesterday (Wednesday, August 27) following a report of a body having been discovered on the beach.

“The body of a 63-year-old man from Bristol was located on the beach. There are no suspicious circumstances. Formal identification is to take place this afternoon, but the man’s next of kin have been informed.”

[Lead image: Swansea Council]

Man found dead at Rhossili beach

Police were called to the scene at Rhossili beach on the Gower Peninsula in Swansea at about 19:15 on Wednesday, following a report of a body having been discovered.

Locals reported seeing emergency services rush through the village of Llangennith towards the beach, while a coastguard helicopter circled overhead.

A Coastguard spokeswoman said:

“HM Coastguard responded to an incident in the Rhossili Bay area on Wednesday night, August 27.

“Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team, a coastguard search and rescue helicopter and a lifeboat from Burry Port RNLI were sent to the scene.

“Alerted at around 7.30pm, Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team, a coastguard search and rescue helicopter and a lifeboat from Burry Port RNLI were sent to the scene.”

A statement from South Wales Police said:

“Officers were called to Rhossili Beach, near to Hillend Camping Park, at around 7:15pm yesterday (Wednesday, August 27) following a report of a body having been discovered on the beach.

“The body of a 63-year-old man from Bristol was located on the beach. There are no suspicious circumstances. Formal identification is to take place this afternoon, but the man’s next of kin have been informed.”

[Lead image: Swansea Council]

Briton Ferry man jailed for sexual offences against schoolgirls

Swansea Crown Court heard that between June and December last year, Rio Thomas used the Snapchat messaging app to send explicit videos of himself to several schoolgirls, along with sexual messages. Some of the communications contained highly disturbing references.

When victims blocked him, he set up new accounts to continue making contact.

Police arrested Thomas in Briton Ferry on 14 December. As he was being escorted to a waiting van, he asked officers to remove his handcuffs so he could put on a jacket, before attempting to flee. A search, including the use of a drone, located him in Gethin Street around two hours later.

Investigators were able to link the accounts used in the offending to Thomas and addresses connected to him, including his grandmother’s home in Maesteg.

Thomas, of Glanymor Street, pleaded guilty to causing a child to watch a sexual act, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, engaging in sexual communications with a child, and escaping lawful custody. Four further counts of sexual communication with a child were taken into consideration.

The court was told he began using cannabis in early adolescence and later cocaine, spending long periods isolated in his bedroom. A pre‑sentence report concluded he poses a high risk of harm to children and would require a structured plan for supervision upon release.

Judge Geraint Walters imposed a sentence of 28 months’ detention. Thomas will be on the sex offenders register for 10 years and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the same period.

Waunceirch man sentenced for arson attacks in Neath Port Talbot

An 18-year-old man from Waunceirch, Neath Port Talbot has been jailed after admitting to multiple arson offences, including setting fire to his ex-partner’s clothing and deliberately starting a pub blaze.

Josh Smith, who was 17 at the time of the offences, set fire to clothing belonging to his former partner on 4 January, recording the act on his phone and later sharing it to Instagram.

Just two days later, he deliberately ignited a fire in the toilets of the Somerset Arms, Commercial Road, Taibach. Smith also attempted to set fire to a wheelie bin belonging to a relative of his ex-partner.

After pleading guilty to two counts of arson and one count of attempted arson, Smith was sentenced to 16 months in a Young Offenders Institution. He has also been made subject to a five-year restraining order against the victim.

PC John Ryan from South Wales Police said:
“Josh Smith committed these dangerous offences as retaliation following the end of his relationship with his ex-partner and made numerous people fearful for their safety as a result of his actions.

“We hope he takes the time he will spend at the Young Offenders Institution to think about his actions and to change his ways.”

Townhill man suffers life-threatening burn injuries following arson at Swansea house

The blaze is understood to have been started shortly after 1am on Wednesday 27 August.

Multiple crews from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service were sent to the property, described as two-storey mid-terrace flat.

South Wales Police confirmed the fire is believed to have been started deliberately on the property’s shared balcony.

A local man was later taken to hospital, where his condition is believed to be life-threatening.

In a statement South Wales Police said:

“Officers were called to Gors Avenue, Townhill, Swansea just after 1am today (Wednesday August 27) following a report of a house fire.

“The fire is believed to have been started deliberately on the shared balcony of the property which sustained extensive fire damage.

“A man from Townhill has been taken to hospital with serious burn injuries. His condition is believed to be life-threatening. A scene remains in place at the property whilst an investigation is carried out.”

A spokeswoman for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said:

“At 1.05am on Wednesday, August 27, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews from Gorseinon, Morriston, and Swansea Central Fire Station were called to an incident at Townhill, Swansea.

“Crews responded to a fire on a balcony of a two-storey mid-terrace flat. Crews utilised one hose reel jet, one thermal imagining camera, and forced entry tools to extinguish the fire.

“One casualty sustained burns and was conveyed to hospital.

“Crews left the scene at 2.46am.”

[Lead image: Google Maps]

Woman jailed after family return home to find her in their kitchen and flat ransacked

Lorraine Merriman, 46, had broken into the flat on St Helen’s Road on the evening of July 20. The family, who had been out with their young child, came back to discover smashed items, food taken from the kitchen, clothes pulled from drawers and toys scattered across the floor.

The damage was so extensive they were unable to stay in the property that night.

After spotting Merriman inside, the family left immediately and called police. Officers arrived and arrested her on suspicion of burglary.

Prosecutor Dean Pulling told Swansea Crown Court that Merriman smelled strongly of alcohol and “had trouble standing up”. During the journey to custody she became “highly abusive” towards the arresting officers, calling one “a dirty, noncey P**”, “a dirty little P***”, and a “black b******”.

Once at the police station, she threatened to bite an officer before spitting on the arm of a female constable.

The court heard Merriman had 16 previous offences, including theft and criminal damage, and was already serving a two-year community order imposed in October 2024 for battery.

In interview, she answered “no comment” to all questions.

Defending, Dan Griffiths said his client “remembers absolutely nothing about what she did, which is probably a good thing given her appalling behaviour”. He added: “She describes herself as disgusted. In the circumstances the only thing she can do is offer an apology to the family concerned and the officers who arrested her, in particular the officer she abused.”

Recorder Simon Stephenson told Merriman her actions were so serious that only an immediate prison sentence was appropriate.

Merriman, of Clas y Bedw, Waunarlwydd, had previously admitted burglary with intent to cause criminal damage, a racially aggravated public order offence, and assaulting a police constable. She was jailed for 27 months.

Swansea dealer jailed again after latest Class A drugs arrest

Dean Kelshaw, 40, from Swansea city centre, was stopped and searched by police in June. Officers found him carrying a large amount of cash and a mobile phone that was receiving a high volume of calls. A bag containing a substantial quantity of cocaine was discovered on the ground nearby.

Kelshaw — who has three previous convictions for supplying drugs — admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine, possessing criminal property, and possessing a Class B drug (cannabis). He was sentenced to five years and eight months in prison.

Sergeant Luke Tucker of South Wales Police said:

“Dean Kelshaw, who has multiple previous convictions for these same offences, has shown absolutely no willingness to turn his life around.

The illegal drugs he was selling on the streets of Swansea will do untold damage to those who end up using them and their wider community. Dean Kelshaw didn’t care about that – he only cared about making illegal money.

He is now deservedly starting a prolonged spell in prison.”

Repeat offender

Kelshaw’s latest conviction follows a string of previous drug supply cases.

• In January 2023, he was jailed after being caught with cocaine and crack cocaine alongside two associates, following a police stop in Swansea. Officers found drugs, cash and multiple phones linked to street dealing.
• In October 2017, he was arrested after police intercepted him delivering cocaine to a customer. That case also resulted in a prison sentence.

South Wales Police say the latest sentence reflects both the seriousness of the offence and Kelshaw’s repeated return to drug dealing despite previous jail terms.

Off-duty nurse and first responder praised for heroic actions after Port Talbot motorbike crash

The incident happened on Monday 18 August, with emergency services responding to the scene. Among the first to assist were off-duty nurse Phillip Clayton and volunteer community first responder Kieran Benson — neither of whom knew each other prior to the incident.

Phillip, who was passing by, stopped to offer help to police officers and carried out initial assessments of the casualty. He was soon joined by Kieran, who was en route to hospital with his wife, who was unwell. Despite the circumstances, Kieran chose to stop and assist, using medical equipment from his car to treat the injured rider until paramedics arrived.

South Wales Police said the pair worked in difficult conditions, with live traffic flowing nearby, and their actions made a vital difference.

PC Kyle Richards said:

“We would like to place on record our thanks to Phillip and Kieran. They could have easily carried on with their days and no one would be any the wiser. However, they chose to come to the aid of a member of the public in his hour of need.

This selfless act shows a wonderful commitment to serving the public, who need to know that these and other individuals are out there and willing to step in when needed. They really did save the day.”

The officer also thanked Kieran’s wife, who made it to hospital and is now recovering well.

South Wales Police have not released further details about the motorcyclist’s condition, but the force continues to investigate the circumstances of the collision.