St Dogmaels: Family want answers amid drowning investigation delays

Hywel Morgan was praised for his selfless actions

The family of a man who drowned trying to save two children have said they want answers after delays in the police investigation, a hearing was told.

Hywel Morgan, 47, was pulled from the water at Poppit Sands near St Dogmaels, Pembrokeshire, in June 2022 after getting caught in a riptide.

A pre-inquest hearing at Pembrokeshire council on Thursday was told by coroner Paul Bennett some witness statements had yet to be taken by police.

Marian Morgan said they wanted closure.

Addressing the coroner, Ms Morgan, who is Mr Morgan's sister, said: "We want to find out exactly what happened.

"We have been told different things by different people - we need closure."

The RNLI flew its flag at half mast over its Poppit Sands base after his death

Mr Bennett said it had recently come to his attention the police had not yet taken formal statements from some witnesses.

He said: "I am somewhat concerned about the passage of time that this has not been achieved, and I know that my coroner's officer has conveyed directly my concerns to the police around this.

"Matters are now in hand to resolve that issue. I want to proffer my profound apology that hasn't been done in a timely manner."

He said the scope of a future inquest would be "fairly narrow", looking at the events of the day.

Another pre-inquest review hearing is expected to be held between September and October.

A helicopter was seen hovering over the beach after Mr Morgan rescued the children

Mr Morgan - known as Hyw - was dubbed a hero after his death.

His family said at the time: "Despite our pain and grief, it gives us comfort that he selflessly tried to prevent others from losing their lives.

"Hyw was a selfless individual who always gave up his time for others.

"He was a devoted and loving father and was loved and respected by all who knew him."