County councillor for Tenby’s North ward has reaffirmed his concerns regarding the ‘unfortunate behaviour’ which has been taking place in the seaside town in recent months, which escalated on Tuesday evening into something much more shocking, when two teenagers were arrested in connection with an incident which resulted in four youths sustaining stab wounds at Tenby Railway Station.

“This incident is not new, what is new is the use of knives. I have emailed Dyfed Powys Police approximately three weeks ago on other issues but not had the courtesy of a response, after yesterday's incident at their request,” Cllr MIchael Williams told the Observer.

“Officers are visiting me at my home on Thursday, and I will be reiterating my concerns, and making a very strong argument for a far more visible police presence in Tenby.

“I am very aware of the constraints on the police service, but Tenby has been let down, despite an ever increasing precept being imposed upon us. We have a right to feel safe in our community, and I know many that no longer do so.

“There was at one time a CCTV system set up in Tenby Police Station which was monitored, but it appears that the station is now closed.

“Cllr Paul Rapi [Tenby town councillor] has disturbing videos of gross misconduct and appalling violent behaviour in St Georges Street during late evening, the kind of drunken behaviour which is totally unacceptable in out town.

“I will also be discussing the needs of Tenby with The Police and Crime Commissioner,” he added.

Councillors in Tenby have also called for more visible policing in the seaside town, particularly during busy periods, to provide reassurance to the community and to act as a deterrent to further incidents, following a stabbing on Tuesday evening at the railway station.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson told the Observer: “Dyfed-Powys Police were called to reports of serious disorder involving a group of youths at Tenby train station at approximately 9.50pm this evening (Tuesday, April 7).

“During the incident, an individual was in possession of a knife, which resulted in four youths sustaining stab wounds.

Tenby train incident
Footage of the incident at Tenby train station has been shared on social media. (FB)

“All injuries are currently assessed as non-life threatening, and those affected are receiving appropriate medical treatment.

“Officers attended the scene promptly, and a 16-year-old youth and a 19-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 Assault. They are in police custody and an investigation is underway.

“British Transport Police have primacy for the incident and are leading enquiries.

“The incident has been brought under control and the scene is secure. We understand an incident of this nature will cause concern, and there will be an increased police presence in the area to provide reassurance.”

The Mayor of Tenby, Cllr Dai Morgan and members of the Town Council have called for more police action following recent incidents in the town involving groups of youths, which have included disorder, criminal damage and this latest very serious assault.

“Our thoughts are with those affected, and we wish the injured persons a full and speedy recovery. We fully support Dyfed-Powys Police in their ongoing investigation and thank officers and all emergency services for their swift response,” a spokesperson for Tenby Town Council stated.

“We encourage anyone with information to assist the police so that those responsible can be held to account.

Tenby train station
Tenby train station platform, where the incident occurred. (Gareth Davies Photography)

While Tenby is a welcoming, close‑knit and safe community, the events of recent days have understandably caused concern among residents, businesses and visitors alike.

“We are clear that this behaviour is not Tenby and does not reflect the values of our town or the overwhelming majority of our young people.

“The Town Council believes that we need more visible policing in Tenby, particularly during busy periods, to provide reassurance to the community and to act as a deterrent to further incidents.

“We will continue to work closely with the police, Pembrokeshire County Council and partner agencies to address these issues and support longer‑term solutions.

“Tenby thrives on being a safe and friendly place for everyone. We are committed to doing everything within our remit to protect that reputation and to ensure residents and visitors alike feel secure in our town,” they added.

Replacement buses have been put in following the incident at Tenby Railway Station.
Replacement buses have been put in following the incident at Tenby Railway Station. (MRH)

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could help the enquiry is asked to contact British Transport Police either online: https://www.btp.police.uk/NDS call 0800 40 50 40, or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Reports on social media suggest that the anti-social atmosphere had been building in Tenby throughout the day, with a large volume of youths meeting up on North Beach for a party, with one person suggesting that there was nearly a 100 heading to the locality from other parts of the county.

Earlier on the same evening, Pembrokeshire County Council were forced to close the public toilets alongside the multi-storey car park, after a gang of youths vandalised them.

One local resident commented: “I’ve seen gangs of upto 15 youths causing havoc in the multi story car park; playing rugby in the road. They do this on a regular basis now. Screaming, climbing on top of the bus shelter.

“It’s been intolerable for weeks. We have spoken to the police several times but there’s never an officer available in our area. It’s not good enough.”

Another remarked on social media: “Hundreds of teenagers in gangs the last few days and Dyfed Powys Police have done nothing! Vandalising toilets etc, stealing from local shops, abusing people walking past, attacking people walking past, the behaviour is unreal.

“Massive majority coming here on the train from all over the county etc, Transport for Wales and the Police should be monitoring it!

“With social media, AI and other systems, this behaviour should have been prevented before it escalated.

“£3000+ a year in Council Tax here and I haven’t seen 1 police man on foot all half term in Tenby!”

Another stated: “This is awful, there were groups of teenagers everywhere in town today, some clearly looking for trouble.

“Was in multi story car park at 10 o’clock, lads in there shaking cars acting like little yobs.”

County councillor for Tenby’s North ward has reaffirmed his recent concerns regarding the ‘unfortunate behaviour’ which has in recent months been taking place in Tenby, mainly in the Town centre.

“This incident is not new, what is new is the use of knives. I have emailed Dyfed Powys Police approximately three weeks ago on other issues but not had the courtesy of a response, after yesterday's incident at their request,” Cllr Williams told the Observer.

“Officers are visiting me at my home on Thursday, and I will be reiterating my concerns, and making a very strong argument for a far more visible police presence in Tenby.

“I am very aware of the constraints on the police service, but Tenby has been let down, despite an ever increasing precept being imposed upon us. We have a right to feel safe in our community, and I know many that no longer do so.

“There was at one time a CCTV system set up in Tenby Police Station which was monitored, but it appears that the station is now closed.

“Cllr Paul Rapi [Tenby town councillor] has disturbing videos of gross misconduct and appalling violent behaviour in St Georges Street during late evening, the kind of drunken behaviour which is totally unacceptable in out town.

“I will also be discussing the needs of Tenby with The Police and Crime Commissioner,” he added.