Hampshire man charged with murder after Neath pub attack

Detectives investigating a murder which occurred in Neath in the early hours of Friday, 15 July have charged a 34 year-old man from Hampshire with murder.

Daniel Pickering, 34, will appear before Swansea Magistrates Court on Monday, 18 July, 2022.

Matthew Thomas, 47, from Neath died in hospital this morning where he had been in a critical condition since being admitted on Friday, 15 July.

South Wales Police say that Mathew’s family are being supported by specially trained officers, where they have respectfully asked to be left alone to grieve in peace.

Detectives are continuing their appeal for anybody who may have information to come forward.

In particular they would like to speak to anybody who may have been inside or outside the Arch Bar and Nightclub at approximately 00:50hrs on 15 July, to make contact with officers if they have not already.

A large section of Commercial Street in Neath was cordoned off while investigations were carried out.

Pickering was originally arrested on suspicion of GBH with intent, however charges were upgraded to murder after Matthew sadly died from his injuries overnight.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Lewis said: “There has been a tragic development overnight and we are now treating this incident as a murder. My thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends at this very difficult time.

“We do have somebody in custody and we are not currently looking for anybody else.

“It is vital that we speak to anybody who may have information about what happened during the early hours of Friday 15th July, and I am urging anybody who has not yet spoken to police to make contact.”

(Lead image: South Wales Police)