Knife found as huge search for attempted murder suspect continues

A knife has been found during extensive police searches which have taken place after a suspected attempted murder in a Welsh park. Police were called to an area around Carmarthen Park and the adjoining Picton Terrace late last Thursday afternoon (January 29).

A woman was taken to hospital after reports that she had suffered stab wounds which caused injuries to her torso and hand. According to police, the incident took place just inside the park and the injured woman escaped through an entrance which backs onto Picton Terrace, where she called for help.

The day after the attack, Dyfed-Powys Police released an image and a description of a man they are actively searching for. The suspect was named as 57-year-old James Mckenna. 

Mr McKenna is local to Carmarthen and has known links to Ireland. He is described as a white, British male, who is around 5ft 7ins tall. He is bald with white facial hair. Police said he was known to the injured woman, who is still recovering but whose injuries are not life-threatening.

Over the weekend a police presence was seen in and around the Carmarthen Park area, with searches taking place at allotments, wooded areas and wetlands near to the park.

Police dogs and drones were used in the searches, and a knife believed to have been used in the incident together with a rucksack have been recovered.

As well as physical area searches, officers and staff from specialist departments at Dyfed-Powys Police continue to carry out digital and financial enquiries.

The suspect remains at large and enquiries have been made with local transport providers to seek to establish if he has attempted to leave the area via any form of public transport.

Detective chief superintendent Ross Evans of Dyfed-Powys Police said: “I assure that we are doing all we can to locate James McKenna, and that our work has been continuous over the weekend and into today.

“Having processed the initial scenes of interest inside and immediately outside Carmarthen Park, our search areas have expanded to include large wooded areas, the Towy river bank and places he is known to frequent.

“We do not believe at this time that he has used any mode of transport to leave the area, however if anyone has any information that could suggest otherwise, we urge them to get in touch using the dedicated link below.

“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.

"I am sure you can understand how serious an incident like this is treated, and we will continue to have Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams in the area should you need to raise any issues.”

Police are asking anyone with any information regarding last Thursday’s incident to contact them online, by e-mailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by calling 101.