A BENCH in memory of murder victim Kelly Hyde has been targeted by vandals.

The incident is reported to have taken place some time between August 1 and 4.

The memorial bench, with inscribed plaque, was installed at West End flower garden on the corner of New Road and Wind Street by members of Pantyffynnon Ward Action Group as a tribute to Kelly, who was brutally murdered in 2007.

Miss Hyde had disappeared after dropping her car off at a garage for its MOT resulting in a major missing persons hunt. Her body was found three days later at the bottom of an embankment in Pantyffynnon.

Her killer Adrian Jones was convicted of murder in Swansea Crown Court in 2008 and sentenced to 12 years.

However, Jones died in custody in February 2018.

Pantyffynnon Ward Action Group member John Owen said the memorial plaque on the wooden bench at West End “looked like it had been ripped off”.

He said: “I regularly sit on the bench and think about poor Kelly. I was part of the group that helped install the plaque so I was devastated to see that it had been vandalised.

“This is a mindless act of vandalism and disrespectful to Kelly’s memory.”

Police in Ammanford said they are investigating the incident and have made an appeal for anyone with information to get in touch.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokeswoman said: "Dyfed-Powys Police is investigating a report that a memorial plaque on a bench in the flower garden on the corner of New Road and Wind Street, Ammanford has been removed.

"Anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to Dyfed-Powys Police, either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk, or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Quote reference: DP-20210804-086

"Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”