Armed police swoop as man, 61, arrested for murder and woman in car crash dies

A 61-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a woman who crashed her car died.

South Wales Police said the woman, 47, from North Cornelly, Bridgend, crashed into a wall on Coity Road at about 12:43 BST on Monday.

But the force said she had suffered injuries "unrelated" to the crash.

It followed armed police swooping on a nearby sheltered housing retirement complex, Ger-y-Nant, where the man was arrested.

Valleys to Coast housing association confirmed one of its staff members was involved in the incident, and said its thoughts were with "our colleague's family, friends and everyone affected".

There remained a heavy police presence in the area on Tuesday, including six officers, police cars and vans. A cordon is in place around Ger-y-Nant, which is accommodation for over-60s and consists of 13 flats.

Ch Supt Jason Rees described it as a "deeply distressing incident" and thanked the local community for its support which resulted in an arrest and no further injuries sustained.

"We thank those displaced from their homes overnight for their co-operation at a worrying time as we support them in returning home."

A spokesperson for Valleys to Coast said: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident in Bridgend on October 19, and can confirm that a member of our team was involved.

"Our thoughts are with our colleague's family, friends and everyone affected by this.

"We are working closely with South Wales Police and cooperating fully with their ongoing investigation."

Eyewitness Darren Owen, 33, has lived on Brook Street opposite the retirement home for 18 years.

He said: "I was concerned to see all the police. It was very strange to see it outside your front window, armed police, drones and there were vans, police vehicles all the way to the hospital.

"I've never seen anything like it before, you see police but the amount of armed police and swat teams climbing on to the roof of the building.

"We do get some trouble at the top end of street, but when I heard it was at the retirement home it caught me by surprise that was last place I expected to see armed police."

Owen said he "heard a bit of commotion outside at about 1am and saw the police bringing a man out of the building".

Another resident, Muhammed Bobalazi, 19, said he could not go home because of the police cordon.

"I turned up after college to try and get home and the road was closed, but I wasn't allowed (in) and came back at midnight and finally got in just before one in the morning.

"There were fire service and police and I couldn't get close to my flat."

Roz Thomas had concerns about the area.

"The flats have all complained about problems at the nearby houses," she said.

"It used to be lovely place but I won't even walk with my granddaughter now because of all the problems with drink and drugs."