We have put together a round-up of all the latest news, weather, and travel information for Tuesday, April 19, that will get you caught up and ready for the day as half price rail fares have been announced to help with the pressures of the cost of living. The cheaper travel, available on off-peak fares for April and May has been dubbed the 'Great British Rail Sale', with the Department for Transport hoping the scheme will help hard-pressed households facing rising bills and soaring inflation to afford trips across the UK and boost domestic tourism.
The sale, said to be the first of its kind, is expected to cut some journeys between London and Cardiff from £47 to £25. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, referring to the end of coronavirus restrictions in a video to advertise the sale, said: "We've had two years of living life virtually. It is time to get real and visit our beautiful country."
Discounted tickets will go on sale from Tuesday, April 19, with passengers eligible to travel for less on off-peak fares between April 25 and May 27. Officials said offering half-price rail tickets was "one of the ways" the Government was helping to support families with the cost of living, having previously announced measures to defer energy costs and offer council tax discounts for some households.
In a statement Mr Shapps said: "For the first time ever, operators across the rail industry are coming together to help passengers facing rising costs of living by offering up to 50% off more than a million tickets on journeys across Britain. There's no better time to visit friends, family or just explore our great country, so book your tickets today."
Jacqueline Starr, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, said: "We want everyone to be able to benefit from travelling by train because it's more than just a journey, it's a way to connect everyone to the people, places and things they love. As part of the Great British Rail Sale customers will enjoy over one million discounted tickets, so they can explore some of the fantastic locations that are accessible by rail."
Wales news headlines
Police in Cardiff searching for 'dangerous and violent' man
Police are searching for a "dangerous and violent" man in Cardiff. South Wales Police have warned the public not to approach Ben Sullivan, 29, from the Riverside area of the city. The force said Mr Sullivan is wanted in connection with a series of dwelling and commercial burglaries. They say that anyone helping him avoid the police will also be targeted by officers.
Chief Inspector Sohail Anwar said: "Ben Sullivan is a dangerous and violent individual and while we need the public’s help to find him I would urge anyone who sees him not to approach him but to contact us directly. He knows we are looking for him in connection with a series of dwelling and commercial burglaries and we will continue with our house to house and CCTV enquiries until we find him. Anyone who is helping him stay on the run will be targeted by officers too.”
South Wales Police are appealing for anyone who knows his whereabouts to contact them by quoting reference 2200121252. They can be contacted online at https://orlo.uk/kNDBQ, via email on SWP101@south-wales.police.uk or by calling 101. The police can also be contacted on social media.
Buses have stopped using a bus station because people keep parking there
Buses have stopped using a bus station in Maesteg after private vehicles have caused "increased incidents, near misses and concerns". As a result, the Bridgend - Cymmer service from First Cymru has altered its route to pick up and drop off passengers at a nearby school and college until further notice.
Residents have been left questioning the "reoccurring issue" with concerns for elderly passengers who may not typically have access to social media and be aware of the change. Announcing the sudden change on social media, First Cymru unexpectedly announced the service change would be "effective immediately" in the interests of safety for both staff and customers.
The service change said: "The 70/71 service will not be operating in Maesteg Bus Station until further notice. The 70/71 service will now pick up and drop off at Maesteg College/Plasnewydd School." And later adding: "We have made this decision due to increased incidents, near misses and concerns regarding private vehicles using the bus station."
No official update has currently been issued surrounding the return of Maesteg Bus Station to the service's route and what negotiations or action would be involved. The announcement later read: "We apologise for any inconvenience caused. We are working with Bridgend Council to get the issue resolved. Please keep an eye on our social media channels and our website for any updates."
Members of Maesteg Hub community group on social media have expressed concern surrounding the change with fingers being pointed at nearby businesses both within and outside the Market. Councillor candidate Ross Penhale-Thomas responded to the growing concerns arguing it was not the fault of businesses. He said: "It’s an individual’s choice to park in a bus station. While I accept the Post Office isn't in the most central or accessible of locations, it's what we have (for now)." You can read more here.
Today's forecast
A dry start but showers developing, locally heavy. Feeling cooler. Showers from first thing on some coasts and these soon developing more widely with some heavy and slow-moving thundery downpours possible during the afternoon. Some sunny spells but feeling cooler. Maximum temperature 14 °C.
In the evening, rather cloudy with showery outbreaks of rain and drizzle continuing to affect the Welsh Marches, before moving westwards and fading during the second half of the night. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
Here is how the roads and rail are affected at 7am
There are no incidents to report.
National news headlines
Cristiano Ronaldo confirms death of baby boy in tragic update
Manchester United footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that his baby son has died while his partner has given birth to a baby girl. The couple, who had been expecting twins, announced in a social media post: "It is with our deepest sadness that we announce the passing of our baby boy. It's the greatest pain any parent can feel. Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness.
"We would like to thank the doctors and nurses for all their expert care and support. We are all devastated at this loss and we kindly ask for privacy at this very difficult time. Our baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you. Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez."
The Portugal captain, 37, and partner Georgina Rodriguez announced in a social media post in October last year that they were expecting twins. Sharing images of two scans alongside a photo of themselves the couple announced: "Delighted to announce we are expecting twins. Our hearts are full of love - we can’t wait to meet you". The couple already have a daughter, four-year-old Alana, together, while their newborn daughter is the footballer's fifth child.
More than 117,000 people posted comments responding to the news following the former Real Madrid striker's Instagram announcement with teammates, sports stars, and celebrities expressing their condolences. The Manchester United Instagram account posted a message telling him: "Your pain is our pain. Sending love and strength to you and the family at this time." His teammates David De Gea and Diogo Dalot sent heart emojis while Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake responded: "So sorry my friend."
UK to send armoured missile launchers to Ukraine as Russian offensive begins
Britain will reportedly soon send armoured missile launchers to Ukraine after Russia started its full-scale offensive to take control of the country's east. The Ministry of Defence demonstrated the Stormer High Velocity Missile (HVM) launcher for Ukrainians on Salisbury Plain two weeks ago, according to The Sun, with the paper adding the 13-tonne vehicles can be flown to the war on C-17 transport planes in days.
The Stormer is manufactured by BAE Systems, needs just three people to operate it and and uses Starstreak missiles, which can be used to take down low-flying aircraft. It comes as Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky said a "significant part of the entire Russian army" was concentrated on an offensive in the east in the mostly-Russian speaking Donbas, where Moscow-backed separatists have declared two independent republics that have been recognised by Russia.
Mr Zelensky has been pleading for Western powers to give him greater firepower to fight back, with Boris Johnson saying on April 7 that he was "certainly looking at what more military assistance we can give" amid reports the UK could send armoured vehicles. On the same date, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the UK was "stepping up" the supply of arms, as she joined Nato counterparts in Brussels to hear the demands from Ukraine for more equipment.
US President Joe Biden on Wednesday approved 800 million dollars (£610m) in military assistance for Ukraine, including artillery and helicopters, to bolster its defences against the expected Russian offensive in the country's east. Mr Johnson spoke to Mr Zelensky on Saturday afternoon, with a Downing Street spokesperson saying: "The Prime Minister paid tribute to the bravery of Ukrainian forces who continue to valiantly defend their country's freedom."
Sport headlines
'No talks' over Wales coach
The WRU have denied discussions have taken place over the future of Wales Women's coach Ioan Cunningham. Reports in the Mail on Sunday claimed Cunningham was to leave the role after this year's World Cup and replace Byron Hayward as Wales U20s men's coach.
Cunningham is credited with helping to start turn around the fortunes of the women's game this year and has been widely praised by players for the environment he has created following the introduction of professional contracts for 12 players. Wales U20s, meanwhile, endured a difficult Six Nations, winning just one game.
Responding to the reports a WRU statement said: "Ioan Cunningham was appointed in the autumn for 12 months to lead Wales Women to the RWC. Since then, discussions have not, as yet, taken place regarding his role post World Cup."
A standard review is expected to be held after the women's Six Nations finishes at the end of the month.
Swansea blow three-goal lead in thrilling game against Reading
Swansea City blew a three-goal lead as they drew 4-4 in a thrilling Championship encounter with Reading.
Having missed three matches on the spin owing to a knee injury, Flynn Downes made a welcome return to the Swans' line-up as Jay Fulton dropped to the bench in what was the only alteration from Friday's 1-1 draw with Barnsley. But the visitors made a disastrous start as Piroe was adjudged to have fouled Josh Laurent in his own box inside three minutes.
The Swans went behind in the third minute at the Select Car Leasing Stadium as Lucas Joao netted from the penalty spot before stunning strikes from Hannes Wolf and Joel Piroe saw them go ahead. Piroe scored a penalty of his own before Michael Obafemi drilled home his 10th goal of the campaign to put Russell Martin's men in a commanding position.
Reading set up a tense finish as Tom Ince and Joao both bulged the net. And Tom McIntyre scored a dramatic equaliser in injury-time as the points were shared, with the only positive seeing Swansea extend their unbeaten run to seven games. Read the full match report here. Get all of our latest updates sent straight to your inbox with our free newsletters here.
