TOYS FOR NEW CHILD TRAGEDY
CUDDLY toys, handwritten messages and other tributes have been left in memory of a two-year-old boy who was allegedly murdered in Bridgend. Reid Steele died in hospital after an incident on the Broadlands estate.
It is the second child tragedy to hit the town. In an unrelated incident two weeks ago, five-year-old Logan Mwangi, who was also known as Logan Williamson, was found dead in the River Ogmore also in Bridgend.
Reid died after being admitted to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff on Wednesday evening.
His family paid tribute to their “gorgeous, wonderful and intelligent little boy”.
On Friday, toys and flowers were left near the Broadlands address where police were called to on Wednesday night, and tributes to Reid have continued to be left there over the weekend as well as outside the nearby church.
One letter left at the corner of Careg Llwyd and Clos Castell Coity yesterday morning read: “To the family of Reid, we can’t imagine the pain and suffering you are experiencing right now – but our thoughts are with you all at this unbelievably difficult time. The kids wanted to leave a tribute to Reid so we have left him Rex the Dino.”
Another simply read “RIP Baby Boy xxx”.
Outside The Church of Jesus Christ in Broadlands, two love heart-shaped tree ornaments read: “RIP little man, shine bright xxx” and “RIP little one, thinking of you always, sending lots of love xx”.
In a tribute issued on Friday, Reid’s family said: “He was a super, superhappy, gorgeous, wonderful and intelligent little boy who lit up everyone’s lives. He loved the garden and the beach, picking raspberries and going for walks collecting shells. He was a very chatty little boy and would happily speak to anyone.”
Reid’s death is being treated as a murder investigation.
A South Wales Police spokesman said a 31-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of his murder has now been transferred into the care of health services and is currently detained under the Mental Health Act. She remains on police bail while the investigation continues.
Ian Spiller, councillor for Laleston, Bryntirion and Broadlands, said: “The number of tributes that are being left for Reid express just how much this news has affected our community. We are all shocked and saddened about what’s happened.
“I would like to reiterate what I said before, and that is for people not to speculate and to leave the family to breathe and give them space.”
A post on the Laleston Community Council Facebook page read: “As a community council we have followed with sadness the events that have unfolded in our community over the past 48 hours.
“We hope that the family concerned will be given the time and space to grieve, and offer them our love and support at this difficult time. We would urge everyone not to speculate about the circumstances on social media.”
The local churches have opened their doors for anyone who needs support or time to reflect and pray. Flowers and tributes are being placed by the community at the corner of Clos Castell Coity and Careg Llwyd, which has been identified as being close enough to lend support but far enough away not to encroach on the family at this difficult time.
Bridgend council leader Huw David said: “This tragic news has left local people shocked and saddened, especially as it has occurred so soon after the harrowing death of fiveyear-old Logan Mwangi.
“Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of the little boy at this extremely distressing and traumatic time.
“Communities throughout Bridgend County Borough have been expressing their grief and sympathy even as they continue to support one another.”
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Davies of South Wales Police said: “We are dealing with a very sad and tragic incident. The family continue to be supported by dedicated family liaison officers and, once again, I would appeal for members of the public to refrain from speculating on social media at what is a very difficult time for all concerned. My thoughts remain with the family.”