Three members of the public have been praised by Dyfed-Powys Police’s Chief Constable for their actions in tackling robbers.

In May 2018, Stephen Rowan was walking his dogs near to the Phoenix pub, Gorslas, when he heard a woman screaming.

Mr Rowan turned to see a man running away in possession of a bag. He decided to follow him.

John Paul Farmer was a passenger in a vehicle being driven by his father, Mr John Farmer, along Penygroes Road. Mr Farmer witnessed the suspect being pursued on foot by Mr Rowan and his two dogs.

They followed them in their vehicle for a while, then Mr John Paul Farmer instructed his father to stop the vehicle. He joined the pursuit on foot and tackled the suspect to the ground.

Unbeknown to Mr Farmer, the suspect was still in possession of a kitchen knife.

During the struggle, Mr Farmer was able to recover the bag, which contained a large sum of money.

The suspect escaped on foot.

Mr Rowan recovered vital evidence at the scene, including a large kitchen knife which had been used in an earlier robbery at the Phoenix Public House.

Mr Rowan said: “It was certainly unexpected but I was extremely pleased when I received the letter to tell me I was to receive a commendation.

“We have a nice community in Gorslas and you have to play your part in keeping it as crime free as possible.

"When you see someone behaving suspiciously like that you have to do something.”

Chief Constable Mark Collins said: “The intervention of Mr John Paul Farmer, Mr John Farmer and Mr Stephen Rowan no doubt assisted in the successful conviction of the two defendants who were each sentenced to four and a half years’ imprisonment.

“The Commendations and Certificates of Appreciation recognise the hard work and dedication of police officers, Police Community Police Community Support Officers, Special Constables, Police Staff and members of the public across the force area in protecting the public and safeguarding our communities.”

The Dyfed-Powys Police commendations and presentation ceremony was held at Police Headquarters on Friday, January 25.

The officers, staff and members of the public awarded at the ceremony were recognised for bravery, professionalism and a commitment to duty.