Live updates

Police renew appeal for Newbridge man Kyle Vaughan

by Emily Gadd

Gwent Police have made a fresh appeal for information about missing man Kyle Vaughan.

It follows a reward of £5,000 offered by the charity Crimestoppers for any information that might lead to a conviction.

The 24-year-old from Newbridge has not been seen since December.

Several people have been arrested and bailed in connection with his disappearance.

Newport MP: Police Commissioner 'system is wrong'

Newport West MP Paul Flynn says the row over the forcing out of the former Gwent Chief Constable by the force's Police and Crime Commissioner shows "it is the system that is wrong - it's going to happen elsewhere too."

He said the problem is "two people thought they were running the police force".

Ms Napier has called on the UK government to consider whether the independence of operational policing could be compromised by the power given to PCCs.

Advertisement

Napier concerned about independence of policing

Carmel Napier has issued a statement in which she says "the timing of her retirement was not of her choosing.

The former Gwent Chief Constable says the government must consider whether legislation around the powers of Police and Crime Commissioners to call for chiefs to retire or resign "adequately protects the independence on operational policing."

Police and Crime Commissioners have a crucial role to play in representing the people the police serve and in ensuring chief constables are held to account for the quality of service they deliver in their communities.

Chief Constables up and down the country accept and support that. However, much has been made of the need for PCCs not to stray into areas of operational policing and how important it is for chief constables to retain that independence.

The government must consider whether the legislation governing the PCCs' power to call for chiefs to retire or resign adequately protects the independence of operational policing in England and Wales.

– Carmel Napier, former Gwent Police Chief Contable

Johnston responds to criticism over police chief exit

Ian Johnston became Gwent PCC last November.

Gwent's Police and Crime Commissioner has responded to widespread criticism, after it was revealed he told the force's former Chief Constable to retire or be removed from her post.

Carmel Napier retired last Friday.

The story emerged in document leaked to the South Wales Argus.

Caerphilly MP Wayne David said Gwent PCC Ian Johnston's actions were "totally unacceptable", while Newport West MP Paul Flynn said it constituted "bullying."

Mr Johnston has now issued a statement admitting he "raised my concerns" about Mrs Napier's performance, and saying she then chose to retire, a decision he accepted.

"Had Mrs Napier not made the decision to retire, I intended to take the matter further, which may have resulted in her being asked to leave the force", he said.

Carmel Napier has not yet responded to the story today.

Tributes to man who died in Newport incident

Barry Thomas died after an incident in Newport last weekend. Credit: Family / Gwent Police

Tributes have been paid to the man who died after an incident in Newport last weekend.

Barry Thomas, from the Bettws area of the city, was knocked unconscious in an alleged assault, and died on Tuesday.

Today his family have described him as "one of the most outgoing and sociable guys you could meet."

They continue: "He will be extremely missed by his mother, sister, brothers and devoted girlfriend."

"He was liked and respected by many people and will be remembered for his love of girlfriend Julia, Taz his Rottweiler and his mountain bike, never being far from any of them!"

Two men appeared before Caerphilly Magistrates Court yesterday charged with murder. They'll appear before Cardiff Crown Court on Monday.

Advertisement

Man dies after Newport attack

A man, who was left in a critical condition by an assault in Newport, has died.

Gwent Police say Barry Thomas, 45, from the Bettws area of the city, was knocked unconscious on Methuen Road at about 8.35pm on Sunday. He died last night, having never regained consciousness.

Two men, aged 19 and 46 from the Newport area, were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder on Monday at Strensham Service Station on the M5. They have now been re-arrested on suspicion of murder and are currently in police custody.

Police are appealing for anyone who was in or around the Methuen Road area at the time of the attack to contact 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Two men arrested in Newport attack

Two men, aged 19 and 46 from the Newport area, have been arrested at Strensham Service Station on the M5 this morning on suspicion of attempted murder says Gwent Police. They are currently in police custody.

A 45 year old man remains in a critical condition in the Royal Gwent Hospital after being knocked unconscious on Methuen Road at about 8.35pm on Sunday evening.

Man in critical condition after Newport attack

Gwent police say a man is in hospital in a critical condition following an assault that happened at about 8.35pm on Sunday evening at Methuen Road. The man, from the Newport area is currently in the Royal Gwent.

Officers say enquiries are on going into the circumstances of the incident. Anyone who can help police is asked to call 101 or Crimestoppers on0800 555 111.

Load more updates

Advertisement

Today's top stories