Public thanked for assistance during incident in Carmarthen

DYFED-Powys Police is thanking members of the public who stepped in to help an officer during an assault in Carmarthen last night (Aug 1).

Shortly after 8.20pm police received a report concerning the welfare of a woman who appeared to be a victim of a domestic assault in the middle of the road, on the B4312 near Llangain. The car was seen in Carmarthen a short time later, and pulled over in Morrisons car park, Pensarn.

An officer was speaking to the woman in his patrol car when her husband, who was outside, became disruptive and intimidating towards her. The officer left his car to deal with the man, and was subsequently pushed to the chest and punched to the face. The man pushed the officer to the ground and made threats to harm him further.

The officer was able to call for assistance before the man ripped his radio, handcuffs, and body worn video camera from him, and threw them in to the carriageway. Seeing the struggle, two members of the public intervened to pull the man off the officer, and help detain him. Four police officers joined them and the man was arrested.

Inspector Kerry Scoberg said: “Every day police officers go to work to protect the public and too often they become victims of violence. It is never acceptable and I would like to thank the two men who bravely stepped in to help our colleague. Thankfully he is okay, but without their fast thinking it might be a different story.

“This was a frightening incident for everyone involved and I’d particularly like to thank the person who acted on their concerns and reported the domestic incident to us. We are offering specialist support to the victim.

“We receive more reports of domestic abuse during July and August than at any other time of the year. We want to work with you to help people enjoy their holiday or day out – if you suspect or witness domestic abuse, please tell us.

“We understand it isn’t easy to talk about, so we have dedicated, specialist officers who can provide support. Domestic abuse is not only violence – physical, sexual, emotional or financial abuse, threats and damage are also ways to control people.

“Many people worry that they will be interfering if they get involved, or think that it is a private matter, but your support can make a difference. We urge anyone concerned about a friend, neighbour or family member to pass us information so we can take action.”

A 42-year-old man, from the Carmarthen area, has been arrested on suspicion of two domestic violence offences, assaulting a police officer, criminal damage, and a public order offence. He remains in police custody at this time.

Signs of domestic abuse to look out for:

• One partner seems afraid of the other, or very anxious to please him or her
• One partner often criticises or humiliates the other in front of other people
• You can see physical injuries (bruises, broken bones, sprains, cuts etc) and may have been given unlikely explanation for their injuries
• One partner is reluctant to leave children with the other partner.

For support and advice:

• Call the abuse and violence helpline Live Fear Free helpline on 0808 8010 800
• Download the free Brightsky app – it’s full of information and has a secret setting to help protect your privacy
• Visit dyfed-powys.police.uk/ClaresLaw to learn about a scheme where you can find out if your current or potential partner has a history of abuse or violence.
• Visit ncdv.org.uk for free legal help, quickly

To report domestic abuse in a non-emergency, contact us online: http://bit.ly/DPPReportOnline, by email: contactcentre@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk or by phone on 101. If you’re reporting to police as abuse is happening call 999.