‘Terror raid’ at village farm
Man, 57, charged with offences
A 57-YEAR-OLD man who was arrested at an address in Trimsaran, Carmarthenshire last Tuesday has been charged with offences relating to explosives and poisons.
Russell Wadge of Baglan Farm, Trimsaran will appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court today charged with one offence contrary to section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act of 1883 and four offences contrary section 3 of the Poisons Act 1972.
Officers from the Wales Extremism and Counter Terrorism Unit (WECTU) supported by Dyfed-Powys Police, West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit and partner agencies executed a search warrant at an address near Trimsaran where a specialist search took place after chemicals were found at the premises.
There was no risk to neighbouring properties or to the general public.
While a search of the property has concluded, a police cordon remains in place.
Villagers in Trimsaran said they were in the dark about the circumstances surrounding the raid, which took place earlier in the week, but revealed by police on Friday night.
People in Trimsaran described how they had known nothing about the raid until details started to emerge through news outlets on Saturday morning
One elderly gentleman, who didn’t want to give his name, said he had seen some police activity on Tuesday, but not much else.
“I saw two helicopters circling around and around earlier in the week,” said the man, who lives on a hill above the village.
“I don’t know the people living there, but I used to know the people who lived there before.”
In the local pub, the Bird in Hand, regulars popped in for their usual Saturday lunchtime pint.
It was busier than usual because Trimsaran was on the route of the OVO Energy Women’s Tour, and the cyclists were due to pass through at around 1.30pm on Saturday.
Police confirmed they were carrying out a “specialist search” after chemicals were found at the premises.
One man, stood outside the pub waiting for the cyclists to pass through the village, said: “I didn’t see or hear anything on Tuesday, the first I knew about it all was when it popped up on the news.
“I’ve lived here for many years, and I haven’t seen anything like this before.”
The man, who preferred to remain anonymous, added: “Not much happens around here – this cycling event is probably the most excitement we’ve had all year.”