Following a public appeal and active manhunt to locate James McKenna after an incident in Carmarthen Park on Thursday, an arrest has been made.

Detective Chief Superintendent Ross Evans said: “We would like to thank the media and our communities for assisting our investigation so far.”

On Thursday of last week (29th Jan), a woman was attacked and stabbed in Carmarthen Park, leading to a police investigation and active manhunt in the Carmarthen area.

The victim had been walking in the park when it is reported that McKenna attacked her. Police have now apprehended the suspect and a forensic search of the immediate area concluded with forensic evidence uncovered. A statement from Dyfed-Powys Police on the operation followed shortly after:

“Our extensive search for James McKenna has come to an end following an incident in Carmarthen Park on Thursday afternoon.

“Officers and staff have followed all lines of enquiry made available to them over the weekend, as they aimed to locate the 57-year-old who was wanted in connection with an attempted murder. He has now been apprehended and is in police custody.

“The investigation began at just after 4pm on Thursday when Dyfed-Powys Police received a report that a woman had been injured just inside the park. She managed to flee through the Picton Terrace entrance, and called for help.

“Officers immediately attended, along with colleagues from the Welsh Ambulance Service, and the victim was taken to hospital where she was treated for stab wounds.

“A large number of enquiries have been carried out since the incident, which have included forensic searches inside and immediately outside the park, as well as systematic searches of the allotments, wooded area and wetlands. These searches were carried out by teams of officers including the dog unit and drone pilots, coordinated by Police Search Advisors.

“These have resulted in a knife believed to have been used in the incident and a rucksack being recovered.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Ross Evans said:

“I am pleased to be able to confirm that despite being subject to a very serious attack, the victim is not believed to have sustained any life changing injuries, and is expected to make a full recovery. We wish her well as she recovers, and are ensuring she is supported both by our officers and external organisations.

“Finally, we are aware that our work has resulted in some disruption in the local area, and we would like to thank members of the community for their cooperation.”