Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police were called to the station at around 9.50pm on Tuesday, 7 April, following reports of a disturbance involving a large group of youths on the platform. During the disorder, one individual was found to be in possession of a knife, and four young people sustained stab wounds.
All four victims are aged between 13 and 17, and are from the Pembroke area. They were taken to hospital for treatment but police have confirmed that their injuries are not considered life-threatening or life-changing. All four have since been discharged.
Two arrests were made at the scene. A 16-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man were detained on suspicion of Grievous Bodily Harm. Both were later released on bail while enquiries continue.
British Transport Police (BTP) assumed primacy for the investigation given the station setting and have since made a further three arrests. Three teenagers were detained on Thursday, 9 April, on suspicion of GBH and violent disorder. All three were also released on bail. This brings the total number of people arrested in connection with the incident to five.
Key Facts
- Incident: Tenby railway station, approximately 9.50pm, Tuesday 7 April 2026
- Four victims, all aged 13–17, from the Pembroke area — all discharged from hospital
- Injuries described as non-life-threatening and non-life-changing
- Five total arrests — all released on bail, investigation ongoing
- British Transport Police leading the inquiry
- BTP reference: 916 of 7 April 2026
Investigation “Progressing at Pace”
British Transport Police Superintendent Jonathon Cooze said the force was aware of the alarm caused by the violence and urged anyone with information to come forward.
“We know this incident has caused significant concern in Tenby and further afield, and I want to reassure the public that detectives are working hard to establish exactly what happened. We have now made five arrests in total, and enquiries are continuing at pace. We would still like to hear from anyone who saw the incident, or who may have information about the events leading up to it.”
— Supt. Jonathon Cooze, British Transport Police
Police asked members of the public not to speculate online or share footage of the incident while enquiries remain active.
Community Anger and Calls for Action
The stabbings have prompted an angry response from local councillors and residents, many of whom say the violence, while shocking in its severity, did not come as a complete surprise given a pattern of escalating anti-social behaviour in the town.
Cllr David Williams, county councillor for Tenby North, said he had contacted Dyfed-Powys Police about related concerns around three weeks before the incident and had not received a response.
“Tenby has been let down, despite an ever increasing precept being imposed upon us.”
— Cllr David Williams, County Councillor for Tenby North
Cllr Williams also noted that a CCTV monitoring system had previously been operated from Tenby Police Station, but that the station now appears to be closed. He said he would be raising the town’s needs directly with the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, county councillor for Tenby South, described the stabbing as a shock but said the broader problem of anti-social behaviour was well known locally. He called for Dyfed-Powys Police’s summer Operation Lion initiative, which currently brings additional officers into the town on peak summer weekends, to be extended to cover school holidays and other busy periods throughout the year.
“We know that an increased police presence is an important part of keeping communities safe. This works in the summer season when Dyfed-Powys Police have Operation Lion. I believe that this now needs to be extended to other busy periods. I will work with all parties to keep Tenby safe and encourage the police and PCC to do all that they can to ensure that this is a one-off incident.”
— Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, County Councillor for Tenby South
Tenby Town Council said the behaviour at the station was “not Tenby” and did not reflect the values of the community.
“We fully support Dyfed-Powys Police in their ongoing investigation and thank officers and all emergency services for their swift response. We encourage anyone with information to assist the police so that those responsible can be held to account.”
— Tenby Town Council spokesperson
Residents who spoke to local media described groups of hundreds of teenagers arriving in Tenby by train in the preceding days, with reports of vandalism to public toilets, theft from local shops and verbal and physical altercations with passers-by.
Political Reaction
The incident drew swift responses from elected representatives at both Westminster and Senedd level.
Henry Tufnell MP, who represents Mid and South Pembrokeshire, said he was deeply saddened by the stabbings and offered his thoughts to the families of those involved.
“I’m deeply saddened to hear of the events in Tenby, resulting in the stabbings of four young people. My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of those involved. I know our community will be deeply shocked by these events, but we are all so grateful for the vital services of the emergency first responders on the scene.”
— Henry Tufnell MP, Mid and South Pembrokeshire
Samuel Kurtz MS, Senedd member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, called for zero tolerance on knife crime.
“There must be zero tolerance for knife crime. This kind of violence has no place in our communities and cannot be accepted under any circumstances. Those responsible must face the full force of the law. We all deserve to feel safe where we live.”
— Samuel Kurtz MS, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire
Joint Crackdown Pledged for Summer
In the days following the incident, Dyfed-Powys Police, British Transport Police, Transport for Wales and Pembrokeshire County Council announced a coordinated response aimed at preventing a repeat of the violence as the tourist season gets underway.
Superintendent Louise Harries, BCU Commander for Pembrokeshire at Dyfed-Powys Police, said the force would not allow the summer season to be defined by anti-social behaviour or violent disorder.
“The events which took place at Tenby train station on Tuesday 7th April were wholly unacceptable. Dyfed-Powys Police responded in the immediate aftermath of the incident, but now our colleagues at British Transport Police have primacy over this investigation and are conducting fast-paced enquiries into establishing the facts. Whilst we maintain a strong working relationship with our partners all year round, this incident has of course prompted further specialised joint work to robustly tackle anti-social or violent incidents, as well as ensure the peace of mind of our communities.”
— Supt. Louise Harries, BCU Commander for Pembrokeshire, Dyfed-Powys Police
Officers will be deployed at hotspot locations across the coming weeks and months and are equipped with anti-social behaviour powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act, including the ability to direct individuals to leave a specific area for up to 48 hours.
Transport for Wales (TfW) confirmed it would deploy additional security teams at stations and on board rail services across west Wales throughout the summer, with a particular focus on late-night services. Security Manager Simon Turton said CCTV at stations and body-worn cameras worn by train crew would support the enhanced presence.
Richard Brown, Assistant Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire County Council, said the incident had been “deeply concerning” and asked parents and carers to be mindful of where young people were spending their evenings, particularly as the warmer months approach.
“Incidents of this nature understandably cause anxiety for residents, businesses and visitors. The Council is working closely with Dyfed-Powys Police and partner agencies to support the ongoing investigation and to address wider issues linked to antisocial behaviour. We would encourage residents and business owners to report concerns, and we ask parents and carers to remain aware of where young people are spending time, particularly in the evenings.”
— Richard Brown, Assistant Chief Executive, Pembrokeshire County Council
The investigation remains ongoing. No charges have yet been announced. All five individuals arrested in connection with the incident remain on bail.
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