Rugby club complains about police

The rugby tournament was taking place in Aberaeron, Ceredigion

A rugby club, which had 21 youth players arrested after a woman was injured by a lawn roller, is making a formal complaint against police.

The Merthyr RFC players were arrested after Emma Winch, 26, was hit by the roller as she slept in a tent at a rugby tournament in Ceredigion.

The club denies responsibility and is to complain over Dyfed-Powys Police.

But the Independent Police Complaints Commission said it would not be investigating the force's conduct.

A force spokesman said it would be "inappropriate" to comment.

The complaint will cite what the club calls "a lack of fairness and objectivity in its handling of the matter".

Ms Winch, from Bridgend, was treated for head injuries after it is believed a roller was pushed down a bank at Aberaeron Rugby Club on 29 August.

Police arrested 21 Merthyr youth players, and officers later said the teenagers had either declined to comment or denied responsibility.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission has been asked to look into the case

Merthyr RFC statement

Insp Nicola Carter, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said she believed Merthyr RFC "held the key" to the investigation and she wrote to the president of the WRU and the chairman of Merthyr RFC asking for help in identifying those responsible.

Merthyr RFC has now issued a statement to "clarify its stance" over the police investigation.

It said: "The club itself now intends to lodge a formal complaint against Dyfed-Powys Police citing a lack of fairness and objectivity in its handling of the matter which has caused significant damage to the reputation of Merthyr RFC and in particular its youth section.

"In addition a number of the players involved have made complaints about the police action on the night. The Independent Police Complaints Commission has been asked to look into the case.

"Several of those detained are now seeking legal advice in respect of their alleged unlawful detention by Dyfed-Powys Police."

The club said it wished Ms Winch a speedy recovery and condemned the "dangerous and reckless actions" of the individuals involved.

'Right time'

It went on to claim that witnesses had indicated that no members of Merthyr RFC were responsible for the incident.

"Seven of the young men spent up to 13 hours in police custody. Despite a four-week investigation by Dyfed-Powys Police, the club have no reason to believe that any evidence has been obtained to link the club or its players to this incident," said the statement.

"Merthyr RFC calls upon Dyfed-Powys Police to explain their recent statement that the club "holds the key" to the inquiry and to share any evidence upon which that apparently unfounded assertion is based."

Club secretary Brian Garrad said: "We're a little bit down obviously and the club's name has been dragged through the mud so this is why the statement has come out."

Dyfed Powys Police confirmed "that a number of complaints against police have been received in relation to this incident".

"In light of this and there also being an ongoing investigation into the assault itself, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time," the force said.

"Contact will be made with relevant parties concerning the complaints against police in due course."