WRU asked to find roller culprits

Emma Winch had been due to play in a women's match at the rugby club

Police have asked the Welsh Rugby Union for help in identifying the culprits who pushed a lawn roller down a bank, leaving a woman with head injuries.

The metal roller struck Emma Winch as she slept in a tent during a rugby tournament at Aberaeron, Ceredigion.

Twenty-one Merthyr Rugby Club youth team members were arrested last month.

The club said it would comment once it had seen the Dyfed-Powys Police incident report, and the WRU said it was looking into the request.

Ms Winch, 26, from Bridgend, was treated for head injuries after being hurt at the tournament at Aberaeron Rugby Club on 29 August.

Twenty-one members of Merthyr Rugby Club youth team were arrested and have been interviewed. They have either declined to comment or have denied any responsibility

Insp Nicola Carter, Dyfed-Powys Police

Police said 21 members of Merthyr Rugby Club's youth team had been arrested, but no-one had admitted responsibility for the incident.

Insp Nicola Carter, of Aberaeron police, said she decided to write to the club and the WRU when officers were unable to identify the culprits.

Insp Carter said: "During the incident at Aberaeron rugby sevens, a number of youths pushed a lawn roller down an incline and it collided with a tent, which contained the victim Ms Winch. She suffered head injuries.

"As a result of inquiries at the scene, 21 members of Merthyr Rugby Club youth team were arrested and have been interviewed. They have either declined to comment or have denied any responsibility.

"I believe that Merthyr Rugby Club holds the key to this investigation.

"I have written to the president of the WRU and the chairman of Merthyr Rugby Club asking them to assist the police in identifying those responsible."

Paul Lewis, chairman of Merthyr Rugby Club, said the club would react to Insp Carter's request once it had seen a police incident report.

Ms Winch had been due to play in a women's match at a Aberaeron club tournament, but following the incident on 29 August her club, Pontyclun, withdrew.

She said she heard laughter and loud banging noises before the roller crashed into the tent she was sharing with two friends.

Ms Winch was treated at Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth where she underwent five x-rays. She was discharged on 30 August.