Eleven people have been arrested over last month’s violent incident at Tenby railway station – as British Transport Police moved to officially debunk claims of an alleged spiking that had been spreading on social media.
The arrests come nearly a month after one of the most serious incidents of youth violence seen in Pembrokeshire in recent years – an evening that shocked the resort town and sparked weeks of community anger, political pressure and an ongoing police investigation.
Officers were called to Tenby station at 9.50pm on 7 April following reports of a large fight involving a group of youths.
Four teenagers were stabbed during the disorder.
All four were taken to hospital for treatment. Thankfully their injuries were not serious and all were later discharged.
The Carmarthen to Pembroke Dock line was closed in the immediate aftermath as police secured the scene.
Two people were arrested at the station that night by Dyfed-Powys Police – a 16-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man. A further nine have since been arrested in connection with the incident.
Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Davies, of British Transport Police, confirmed all 11 arrested are aged between 13 and 19 – and all are local to the Tenby and Pembroke Dock area.
They have been arrested for offences including Grievous Bodily Harm and Violent Disorder and are currently on police bail pending further enquiries.
On the spiking rumours, DCI Davies was unequivocal. “We know there has been a lot of speculation about the background of the incident online – including discussion about an alleged spiking – and following a number of enquiries we’re now satisfied that there is no truth to any speculation around a spiking incident,” he said.
Officers will be out across the rail network throughout the summer, he added, working alongside Dyfed-Powys Police to reassure the public and prevent disorder. He asked parents and guardians to be mindful of where their children were going and what they were doing.
Councillors had previously described Tenby as having been “let down”, demanding more police on the streets after the stabbing shocked the Pembrokeshire community.
A joint crackdown involving police, the council and rail bosses followed, with five initial arrests made early in the investigation.
Dyfed-Powys Police Superintendent Louise Harries said the force had listened to community concerns and acted. The annual summer enforcement plans were brought forward, and Operation Lion – the targeted approach to tackling antisocial behaviour and violence across Pembrokeshire – was launched this bank holiday weekend as a direct response.
“Pembrokeshire is a wonderful location for residents and visitors to spend their time over the summer months,” she said, “and we are doing all we can to ensure that it is as safe as possible.”
Anyone who sees something concerning at a railway station is asked to text British Transport Police on 61016 or speak to a police officer or a member of railway staff.
