**Police Continue Investigation into Death of Teenager at Barry Island Pleasure Park**
South Wales Police have released further details regarding their ongoing investigation into the tragic death of Taha Soomro, a 16-year-old boy, at Barry Island Pleasure Park. Emergency services were called to the popular seaside destination just before 5pm on Friday, following reports that a young male was experiencing a serious medical incident.
Despite immediate efforts made by on-site staff and emergency responders, Taha, who hailed from the Grangetown area of Cardiff, was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident has sparked significant attention both locally and further afield, given the circumstances and the age of those involved.
In a development over the weekend, police confirmed they have arrested a 15-year-old boy from Cardiff on suspicion of assault as part of their enquiries into Taha’s untimely death. The arrested teenager was initially held in custody for questioning, but has since been released on police bail while detailed investigations continue. Officers emphasised that Taha’s family are being kept fully updated and are receiving support from specially trained police staff during this extremely difficult time.
A spokesperson for South Wales Police commented: “Our investigation into the death of 16-year-old Taha Soomro at Barry Island Pleasure Park is ongoing. Extensive enquiries are being conducted to fully understand the cause and circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. Taha’s family remains our priority, and we are providing them with every possible support.”
Detectives have appealed for anyone present at Barry Island Pleasure Park at around 5pm on Friday, 23 May, to get in touch if they observed anything that could assist investigators. Officers are particularly interested in any mobile phone footage from that evening and have set up an online submission portal to collect information and media from the public.
Those wishing to come forward with details can contact police via their official website, through the established Live Chat service, or by calling 101 and quoting reference number 2500163611. Reports can also be made anonymously via Crimestoppers, either by telephone or using their secure online form.
Despite the distressing events, Barry Island Pleasure Park reopened as normal on Saturday. The park’s management issued a public statement expressing their sadness at the loss of life: “Very sad news yesterday, all of our team did their best to assist the emergency services but unfortunately the boy suffered a medical emergency and could not be saved. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this very sad time.”
The death of a young person in such a well-known location has prompted both sorrow and concern in the local community. While the investigation remains in its early stages, authorities are urging the public to refrain from speculation and to allow police time to establish what led to this tragedy. The case demonstrates the complexity of such incidents, with officers working to piece together the chain of events and offering reassurances that safeguarding children and families at public venues is an absolute priority.
It remains to be seen what further revelations will emerge from the investigation in the coming days. For now, police are focusing on gathering robust evidence and ensuring all those impacted by the incident, in particular Taha’s family, receive the support they need.
The local authorities and the Barry Island Pleasure Park management have also appealed for privacy for the bereaved family, as tributes to the teenager begin to appear both online and at the site. Further updates are expected from South Wales Police as enquiries progress.