The quiet community of Rhydyfelin, nestled on the outskirts of Pontypridd in South Wales, was left reeling this week after a violent incident in the early hours of September 23, 2025, claimed the life of 22-year-old Liam Woolford from Porth. The tragedy, which unfolded just after midnight on Poets Close, has sparked a major murder investigation and cast a pall of anxiety over the neighborhood.
According to BBC News and other regional outlets, police were called to reports of a disturbance at approximately 00:40 BST. When officers arrived, they found three men in their 20s suffering from injuries. All were rushed to hospital, but despite the best efforts of medical staff, Liam Woolford succumbed to his wounds. The two other men, whose names have not been released, remain hospitalized as of Wednesday afternoon.
Liam’s family, devastated by the sudden loss, issued a brief but heartfelt statement: “The family are thinking of their loving son Liam at this difficult time and ask for privacy to grieve.” Their words, shared by several news organizations, captured the raw grief now felt by those closest to the young man.
As the investigation quickly gathered pace, South Wales Police arrested three individuals in connection with the incident. A 30-year-old man from Rhydyfelin was taken into custody on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, while a 22-year-old man from Tonteg was also arrested on suspicion of murder. In addition, a 20-year-old woman from Penygraig was arrested on suspicion of Section 18 wounding with intent. All three suspects remain in police custody as detectives continue their inquiries. The presence of multiple suspects and the range of charges—including attempted murder and wounding with intent—have only deepened the sense of shock in the area.
Detective Superintendent Paul Raikes, leading the investigation for South Wales Police, sought to reassure the community in a statement that has been widely quoted in the press. “I want to assure the community that we are working at pace to investigate this matter. Residents may notice an increased police presence in the area, and a cordon has been established on Masefield Way, specifically between the junctions of Poets Close and Shakespeare Rise.” He urged anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has information relevant to the case to come forward, directing them to a dedicated police portal and providing reference number 2500304909 for tips.
The police cordon, stretching along Masefield Way between Poets Close and Shakespeare Rise, has become a focal point for both the investigation and the community’s concern. The increased police activity has not gone unnoticed by local residents, many of whom have expressed their unease in interviews with the media. Ashley Webb, 26, who lives nearby, described the atmosphere in the neighborhood: “My anxiety is through the roof. It’s on my doorstep. My kids are too scared to go out, I won’t let them out.” Another neighbor, Brandon Griffiths, also 26, recounted seeing a police car in the early hours and only realizing the scale of the incident when he returned home later in the day. “It’s quite scary to be honest with you,” he said.
The sense of fear and uncertainty is palpable. Rhydyfelin, often described as a close-knit community, has not been accustomed to such violence. The sight of police vehicles, forensic teams, and cordoned-off streets has left many residents shaken and searching for answers.
Political leaders have also weighed in, emphasizing the seriousness of the incident and the need for community solidarity. Alex Davies-Jones, the Member of Parliament for Pontypridd, told BBC News she was in “close contact” with the police and would provide updates as more information emerged. She encouraged local people to “care for one another,” cautioned against spreading misinformation, and urged anyone with helpful details to come forward. Davies-Jones’s call for unity and vigilance reflects a broader effort to maintain calm—and to ensure that the investigation is not hindered by rumor or speculation.
As the police continue their work, the focus remains on gathering evidence and piecing together the events that led to the fatal disturbance. Forensic teams have been seen combing the scene, while detectives conduct interviews with witnesses and review any available CCTV footage from the area. The investigation is being described as “ongoing at pace,” with authorities determined to provide answers not only for Liam Woolford’s grieving family but for a community desperate for reassurance.
The incident has also prompted a wider conversation about safety and support in the region. While violent crime of this nature is relatively rare in Rhydyfelin and its surrounding villages, the events of September 23 have underscored the need for robust community networks and responsive law enforcement. Residents have been encouraged to report any suspicious activity and to support one another during what many describe as an unsettling time.
For those seeking to provide information, police have made it as straightforward as possible. Tips can be submitted through a dedicated online portal or, for those wishing to remain anonymous, via Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111. Detective Superintendent Raikes thanked the public for their cooperation and understanding, noting that every piece of information could prove vital to the investigation.
Meanwhile, the family and friends of Liam Woolford are left to mourn a life cut tragically short. Described by his loved ones as a “loving son,” Liam’s memory now stands at the center of a community’s grief and a police investigation that promises to leave no stone unturned. The coming days and weeks will be critical—not only for the pursuit of justice but for the healing of a neighborhood shaken by loss.
As the cordon remains in place and officers continue their work, Rhydyfelin’s residents are left to grapple with the aftermath. The hope, voiced by many, is that justice will be served swiftly and that the community can begin to recover from this harrowing event.
