Police confirm 'unexplained death' of girl, 16, in serious incident in south Wales village
5 March 2021, 14:17 | Updated: 6 March 2021, 09:23
Police have confirmed a 16-year-old girl died in "unexplained" circumstances during the "serious incident" in a south Wales village earlier on Friday.
A large number of police and ambulance teams, including armed officers and an air ambulance, swamped Baglan Street in Treorchy, Rhondda Cynon Taf, at around midday on Friday following reports of a stabbing.
On Friday evening, South Wales Police described the death as "sudden" and said the cause had not yet been confirmed.
Two men have been arrested in connection with the incident and are in hospital receiving treatment for serious injuries.
Police said the incident is not being treated as a terrorist attack and it is understood that those involved are known to each other.
Detectives are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
Labour MP for Rhondda Chris Bryant responds to serious incident in South Wales village
Superintendent Rich Jones, from South Wales Police, said: "This is clearly a very serious incident which has caused significant shock and concern for both the local and wider community.
"We have a dedicated team of detectives working hard to establish the exact circumstances that have led to the tragic death of this young girl.
"While the investigation is still in its early stages, we can confirm that those involved are understood to know each other and we are currently not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
"There will be a significant police presence in Baglan Street over the weekend but we will reopen the road at the earliest opportunity.
"In the meantime, the support and understanding of the local community is very much appreciated."
I’m aware of disturbing events on Baglan Street in Treherbert/Ynyswen. My thoughts go out to all those affected and thanks to @swpRCT and @WelshAmbulance who are in attendance
— Chris Bryant (@RhonddaBryant) March 5, 2021
Earlier, police erected a cordon around a takeaway restaurant called the Blue Sky. Outside the premises was a small white tent.
The street was closed off and people were advised to avoid the area until further notice.
Chris Bryant, Labour MP for Rhondda, tweeted that he is aware of "disturbing events on Baglan Street" and said his thoughts go out to all those affected.
First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford tweeted that news of the incident was "deeply concerning".
He said: "I'm being kept informed of developments and my thoughts are with everyone in the community during this worrying time."
Mr Bryant confirmed that a nearby school, Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Ynyswen, is taking "all necessary precautions" in response to the incident.
Major incident with 'multiple casualties' in Treorchy, Wales
A South Wales Police spokesperson said earlier on Friday: "Police units are currently dealing with a serious incident which occurred in Baglan Street, Treorchy, at approximately midday today.
"Ambulance crews are also in attendance as the incident involves a number of casualties.
"The street has been closed off and people are advised to avoid the area until further notice.
"Updates will be released when they are available."
One neighbour said she saw "quite a few police cars" arrive in the area and knew it must be "something serious".
Mavis Wakeford, 79, said: "It's quiet, nothing like this has ever happened. I've lived here all my life and nothing like this has ever happened before."
She added: "It's something serious, obviously, it's got to be, hasn't it?"
Joe Glass, who lives nearby, tweeted: "So there's currently some sort of major incident happening in Ynyswen, just down the road from my house.
"We got ambulances, cop cars, first responders and an air ambulance so far."
Councillor Andrew Morgan, the leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, said he had been informed of "the major incident in Ynyswen" and thanked the emergency services for the "significant attendance which is ongoing".
He added: "My thoughts are with everyone affected by this incident but please avoid the area until emergency services leave the location."
A spokesman for the Welsh Ambulance Service said they had sent one rapid response vehicle, three emergency ambulances, the hazardous area response team and the Wales Air Ambulance to the scene.
The force is asking witnesses to the incident to contact 101 and give reference *077519.
