Man Denies Machete Possession After Armed Police Respond to Swansea Shooting Incident

A 29-year-old man has denied possessing an offensive weapon, alleged to be a machete, and a charge of affray following an armed police response to a serious incident in Morriston, Swansea, where a car was damaged in what police believe was a firearms discharge.

A man has appeared before Swansea Magistrates' Court after an armed police operation was launched in Morriston, Swansea, following reports of a vehicle being struck by gunfire.

Thomas Patrick Gilheaney, 29, of Pant-y-Blawd caravan site in Llansamlet, appeared in court on Monday, where he denied two charges relating to the incident.

He pleaded not guilty to possessing an offensive weapon, alleged to have been a machete, and also denied affray.

The incident prompted a significant police response on Friday afternoon, with armed officers attending the area after a vehicle was found with damage consistent with a firearms discharge.

Police Called to Clase Road

South Wales Police confirmed that officers were alerted to the incident at approximately 16:14 GMT on Friday, 6 November.

A vehicle on Clase Road, Morriston, had sustained damage which the force described as being consistent with a firearm being discharged.

The incident was treated as a critical situation, leading to an armed police presence in the surrounding area.

Police have confirmed that there are no known injuries connected to the incident.

The circumstances surrounding the alleged shooting remain under investigation.

Two Other People Released on Bail

A 41-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy, both from Llansamlet, were also arrested in connection with the incident.

South Wales Police have since confirmed that both have been released on bail while enquiries continue.

No further details about their alleged involvement have been provided.

Gilheaney's court appearance marks a further development in the investigation, although the charges against him remain allegations which he has denied.

Police Appeal for Dashcam Footage

Investigators are continuing to seek information from members of the public who may have been travelling through the area around the time of the incident.

South Wales Police are particularly interested in motorists who were on the following roads:

• Clase Road

• Samlet Road

• Upper Forest Way

• Valley Way

Police have asked drivers who travelled along those roads between 16:15 and 16:30 on Friday, 6 November, to check their dashcam recordings.

Officers are also appealing for footage from motorists who travelled along Valley Way between 12:00 and 13:30 on the same day.

Importantly, police are asking drivers to submit footage even if they did not witness anything unusual.

Recordings may contain details of vehicles, movements or other information which could help officers reconstruct what happened before and after the incident.

Police Reassure Concerned Residents

Chief Superintendent Stephen Jones acknowledged that incidents involving firearms understandably cause concern within local communities.

He said such incidents were rare but recognised the impact they could have on residents.

He also confirmed that police would maintain a presence in the area while the investigation continued.

The senior officer thanked members of the public for their assistance and encouraged anyone with relevant information or footage to come forward.

Case Due Before Swansea Crown Court

Gilheaney is expected to appear at Swansea Crown Court on 11 December 2026.

He has denied both possessing an offensive weapon and affray.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, with police continuing to examine evidence and appeal for information from potential witnesses.

There are currently no known reports of anyone being injured in connection with the incident.

The Real Terryo Daily Round-Up Says

An incident involving suspected gunfire in a residential area is naturally a serious concern for the local community.

Residents in Morriston and the surrounding areas will want reassurance that the circumstances are being thoroughly investigated and that anyone responsible for criminal behaviour is held accountable.

However, it is important to remember that the charges against Thomas Patrick Gilheaney have been denied. He is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until proven guilty.

The police appeal for dashcam footage is particularly important. Even recordings from motorists who saw nothing unusual could provide investigators with valuable information about movements in the area.

Anyone with relevant footage or information should assist South Wales Police.

The priority must be establishing exactly what happened on Clase Road, ensuring public safety and allowing the legal process to take its proper course.

The Real Terryo Daily Round-Up will continue to follow developments as the case progresses through the courts.

This article has been independently written for the Real Terryo Daily Round-Up using the information supplied for this report. All individuals charged with offences are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.