The force said the incident happened between 3pm and 4pm on Wednesday (29 January). A woman was taken to hospital, where police say she remains in a stable condition.
Officers are now trying to locate 57‑year‑old James McKenna, who police say is wanted in connection with the attack. The force said McKenna is local to Carmarthen but is known to have links to Ireland, and that checks have been carried out at ports and transport hubs.
Police described McKenna as a white British man, around 5ft 7in tall, bald, with white facial hair. Photographs released by the force show him with a shaved head and white beard.
Members of the public are being urged by police not to approach him. Dyfed‑Powys Police said anyone who sees McKenna or has information about his whereabouts should contact officers immediately via the designated information portal, by emailing 101@dyfed‑powys.police.uk, calling 101, or dialling 999 in an emergency. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers.
‘We are doing everything possible to locate James’ — police
Detective Chief Superintendent Ross Evans, who is leading the investigation, said officers understand the incident has caused concern in the community.
“We understand that this incident is a cause of concern for the people of Carmarthen. I want to reassure you that we are doing everything possible to locate James and bring the incident to a swift conclusion,” he said.
DCS Evans said extra patrols were deployed around school closing time to reassure pupils, parents and staff, and that additional officers will remain visible in the town as enquiries continue.
He said the force believes the incident is isolated and that the increased police presence is “for reassurance only”.
“This type of incident is highly unusual for the area, and I want to be clear that we will not tolerate violence of any sort in our community,” he said.
DCS Evans acknowledged that the police cordon at Picton Terrace has caused disruption for residents, saying officers “hope to release the scenes as soon as possible”.
He thanked the community for its patience and issued a direct appeal to McKenna.
“Finally, to James – if you see this message, I encourage you to make yourself known to us at the earliest opportunity so that this matter can be resolved swiftly.”
