Man is stabbed to death in aisle of a Co-op after woman went ‘beserk’

An elderly man was allegedly stabbed to death and three other shoppers were injured when a woman went ‘beserk’ with a knife in a local supermarket today.

The victim, who was out with his wife, was said to have been stabbed before he died in the aisle of the Co-op in the village of Pen-y-Graig in Rhondda, South Wales.

Locals said another shopper was also stabbed in the neck at the shop, which was surrounded by police after 999 calls saying a woman was attacking people.

People were socially-distancing in the queue outside when the woman is thought to have stabbed one man sitting in a parked van before going into the store. 

Police officers today outside the Co-op in the village of Pen-y-Graig in Rhondda, South Wales

People were socially-distancing in the queue outside when the incident happened today

People were socially-distancing in the queue outside when the incident happened today

Chris Bryant, Labour MP for the Rhondda, said: ‘I’ve been informed of the horrific events in Penygraig and will keep people updated as soon as I have further news.’

South Wales Police said a woman was arrested at the scene. The force helicopter landed at a nearby rugby field and the public were warned to stay away.

Raj Ravi, 35, manager of the local Post Office, said: ‘It was horrific, there was blood all over the shop floor. She must have gone in there and just gone mad with a knife. 

‘I saw two people being taken out of the Co-op, both had neck wounds. I was told one is dead and the other is critical. Two more people were also injured.’

Police forensics officers investigate following the stabbing in South Wales this afternoon

Police forensics officers investigate following the stabbing in South Wales this afternoon

Police at the scene of the investigation today following the incident at the local supermarket

Police at the scene of the investigation today following the incident at the local supermarket

Mr Ravi added that he hopes those injured will be OK, and said he believed the woman went into the shop at about 1.30pm armed with a knife.

He said: ‘They don’t sell knives in the Co-op, she must have taken it in with her. It is a terrible thing to happen, this is a busy little street but it’s quiet and we don’t get trouble.’ 

It is understood the man who died was in the shop while his elderly wife was waiting in their car outside because of coronavirus restrictions.

Locals in the former mining village told how one bearded man was stabbed in the neck in the street after the armed woman ‘went berserk’ in the shop.

Emergency services were called to the former mining village today following the knife attack

Emergency services were called to the former mining village today following the knife attack

A neighbouring shopkeeper said: ‘I saw a man with blood dripping down the back of his head and a woman with a cut on her neck.

‘It was crazy – we think it was just a random attack. But everyone is feeling very uptight.’

Another shopkeeper said: ‘The man was just sat there in his van when he was stabbed in the neck. He was left slumped over the wheel covered in blood.

‘She then went on and stabbed two women in the Co-op. One of the women who was stabbed was just going about her daily shop when she was attacked.

South Wales Police said a woman was arrested at the scene following this afternoon's stabbing

South Wales Police said a woman was arrested at the scene following this afternoon’s stabbing

‘I saw her mother outside the Co-op after and she was in bits. The police came round afterwards and told us we had to close and go home. It’s so scary.’

Several ambulances, police cars and an air ambulance were called to the scene. The shopping street was closed off while police forensic teams carried out their work.

Another witness said: ‘I just saw a hat and cans on the floor outside the Co-op as I was pulling up and thought ‘that’s strange’, then paramedics arrived.

‘My husband went to go into the Co-op but got stopped by people who told him that there was a woman inside with a knife who was stabbing people. 

‘I stayed in the Jeep and more police and paramedics arrived and they went to a man who was in the van parked in front of my Jeep. 

Forensic officers look into what happened after a man died in the stabbing incident today

Forensic officers look into what happened after a man died in the stabbing incident today

‘This was the man who had been stabbed repeatedly, they took him out of the van and placed him into the ambulance.’

A South Wales Police spokesman said: ‘Police are currently in attendance in Tylacelyn Road, Pen Y Graig, following a serious incident at the location.

‘A woman has been arrested in connection with the incident a and is in police custody. Please avoid the area until further notice.’  

Councillor Andrew Morgan, leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, said: ‘I have this afternoon been made aware by the police of the serious incident which has occurred in Pen Y Graig today.

‘My thoughts are with the families and friends of those involved in this awful incident.

Emergency services outside the Co-Op this afternoon following the horrific stabbing incident

Emergency services outside the Co-Op this afternoon following the horrific stabbing incident

‘More details will be issued by the police in due course, but council services stand ready, working alongside South Wales Police, to provide reassurance and support to the community at this very difficult time.’

Leanne Wood, Plaid Cymru Assembly Member for Rhondda, said: ‘I have heard a terrible incident has happened in Pen Y Graig and someone has been arrested.

‘I very much hope everyone involved is OK. Please get in touch if there is anything I can help with.’

Alex Davies-Jones, Labour MP for Pontypridd, said: ‘Really concerned by the news coming out of Pen Y Graig this afternoon.

‘Thank you to all our emergency services for responding so quickly. Thoughts are with all those involved.’

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