News

Cardigan soldier badly injured by bomb

CARDIGAN soldier Stephen Owen, 19, has been flown home with serious injuries after it is believed he was hit by a roadside bomb.

The news comes just days after Dave Greenhalgh, the son of a town businessman, was killed in a roadside bomb in what has been described as an “absolute tragedy” for the town.

Mr Owen, of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, was flown home from Afghanistan for hospital treatment on Friday after it is believed he was hit by a roadside explosive causing severe damage to his legs.

A spokesperson from the Ministry of Defence said he had been brought back to the UK and that he is currently in Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham, receiving treatment.

Town Mayor, Cllr Mark Cole said Stephen has had regular involvement with military activity in the town including in memorial day parades, and that the news was “devastating” for all those who know him.

He said: “Another young boy from the town has been brought back, this time with serious injuries.

“We believe he was injured by a roadside bomb which is what killed Dave Greenhalgh just last week.

“It is absolutely devastating news for everyone, and our thought are with him, his family and friends and wishing him the very best recovery.”

• See full story in this week's South edition of the Cambrian News