Rhyl residents speak of shock after man stabbed to death in town

Residents in Rhyl have spoken of their shock after the latest in a string of violent crimes to hit the seaside town.

Today a 37 year-old man from the Manchester area was pronounced dead after he was knifed at around 3am on Prince Edward Avenue.

Two youths, aged 15 and 16, and a 47 year-old local man have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are being held in Wrexham.

Four other men, believed to be from the Manchester area, have been arrested on suspicion of affray and wounding.

Earlier this week four men were charged with having a handgun and conspiring to cause grievous bodily harm to Damian Wilding in Rhyl on Monday.

And the trial of three men accused of murdering Mark Mason in Home Bargains ’ car park in the town, last October, continues at Mold Crown Court.

Meanwhile on April 15 Fusion nightclub owner, Will Ritchie, was attacked by two thugs with an axe outside his home on Violet Grove.

Referring to today’s killing, a witness who did not want to be identified, said the murder was “gut wrenching”.

“At first I heard a heated discussion but didn’t think anything of it,” he said. “I was getting ready for work and I heard a couple of men and a woman having a heated discussion – that was about 2.30am.

“It’s gut wrenching – there’s no need for it all – it’s just daft.

“My wife is pretty upset about it. She was one of the first to call the police.”

Another resident described the road as a “go between street” where incidents occur during the early hours of the morning.

Alun Burt, who lives in the area, said: “It is tragic that something like this has happened so close to home, but unfortunately it does happen.

“Gone are the days when it used to just be fist fights.

“We have cowards walking around with knives these days.

“Unfortunately Rhyl is becoming that way, it’s a mad house but you can’t let it deter you from going out.”

However, local resident Wayne Smith spoke of his surprise about the events of the early hours and said it “could happen anywhere”.

He said: “The area is quiet and I haven’t witnessed trouble in the area before.

“It’s really sad that someone has died, but unfortunately life goes on.

“I’m originally from Manchester to I used to see this kind of thing all the time – it can happen anywhere really.”

Another resident, named Chris, who did not want to give his full name, said: “It’s a fairly isolated and safe area. I would feel comfortable walking around at night. My mum lives just around the corner – she was shocked when I told her what had happened, nothing like this has ever happened to close to home before but I don’t think she’s afriad.”

James Davies, MP for Vale of Clwyd, expressed his concern over recent events in the town.

He said: “These are all shocking incidents and unfortunate when people are working hard to turn around the fortunes of the town.

“I have spoken to the police and they have assured me they are increasing patrols and I will be looking to work with them.

“I would like to thank to police and emergency services for the work they have done during the recent days and weeks.”