Teenage arrests over chapel raid

There was extensive damage to the chapel and its furnishings

Five teenagers have been arrested in connection with a burglary at an historic chapel in the Swansea Valley.

Gellionnen Chapel in Pontardawe was extensively damaged, as was its furniture, on the weekend of 8-9 March.

South Wales Police held an operation on Wednesday in an attempt to trace those responsible.

Two boys, aged 13 and 16, and two girls, aged 13 and 15, have been arrested and are on bail. Another 13-year-old boy is awaiting interview.

He is currently in custody at Neath Police Station.

'Significant progress'

Police said paint had been thrown around the chapel during the burglary, which happened between 1000 GMT on Saturday 8 March and 1030 GMT on Sunday 9 March.

Insp Jeff Handley said despite the arrests, investigations were "very much" ongoing.

He said: "We have made significant progress with our enquiries so far, but I would still appeal to anyone with any information about this incident to come forward.

"The burglary and subsequent damage to the chapel has impacted on the whole community and I have been heartened by the response of local people."

The response to police appeals and offers of support for the chapel had shown how strong people felt about what had happened, he added.

Man jogging

Meanwhile, police are making a further appeal in relation to the burglary.

Officers have established that a man out jogging near the chapel on the afternoon of Saturday 8 March was involved in a minor incident with a group of youths.

An appeal is being made for him to come forward to help with the investigation.

The chapel is in a remote location on Mynydd Gellionnen and parts of the building date back to 1692.

Anyone with information should contact police on 01792 456999 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.