Update on police action in relation to the protest at the Stradey Park Hotel in Furnace, 24 August 2023

17 people have been arrested in connection the protest at the Stradey Park Hotel since the demonstration began. 

The majority of arrests took place over the past week, following a concerning escalation of behaviour by some protestors between 14 and 16 August, which resulted in significant damage to the hotel grounds and property. 

At a partnership event held last night, residents heard how police are working hard to balance the rights of the public to peaceful protest with the rights of the owners of the hotel to access the property, and the safety of the wider community.  

Superintendent Ross Evans, Commander for Carmarthenshire, said:  

“My officers and I are proud to serve the Furnace community and we come to work every day to keep the area safe for all who live, work and visit the area. We are also part of the community and it is acknowledged that the past few weeks have been a real challenge for everyone connected with the area.  

“As a force, we fully recognise the concerns of residents and protestors. We are listening and responding to these concerns. We will continue to facilitate peaceful protest, however at times over the past week the behaviour of some individuals has gone beyond this.  

“We will not allow unlawful behaviour to take place at these events. Where an offence is committed, we will take all reasonable and proportionate steps to bring offenders to justice, and enforcement action taken over the past seven days has clearly demonstrated this. The people of Carmarthenshire expect their local police to keep them safe and that is what we will continue to do. 

“Public safety remains our priority and we will continue to listen to and work with all parties. In particular, is our intention to work with any protest groups in advance of any events so that we can facilitate peaceful demonstration.” 

Since the beginning of July, a total of 21 arrests of 17 individuals have been made in connection to the protest at the Stradey Park Hotel in Furnace, Llanelli. The majority of those arrested have bail conditions which prevent them either entering the area surrounding the hotel, Llanelli or Wales. 

The investigation into the disorderly behaviour of some protestors last week, which resulted in extensive damage to the hotel, is ongoing. Officers anticipate further arrests in connection to this matter.  

On 18 August, Emmanuel Agius, 37, of Llys Y Morwr, Llanelli, was found guilty of possession of three offensive weapons (knives) and a class b drug (cannabis) in connection to those events, and given a 16-week suspended sentence and a curfew requirement. 

A dedicated investigation team has been set up in response, and among other enquiries they are reviewing an extensive amount of video material. 

Anyone with information that could help with this investigation is urged to report it in one of the following ways:  

• 💬 | Direct message on social media 
• 🖥️ | https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline   
• 📧 | 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk 
• 📞 | 101 

You can also get in touch anonymously with Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111, or visit crimestoppers-uk.org. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.