Both the police and the pub owners have shared updates
13:56, 08 Dec 2025Updated 14:06, 08 Dec 2025
Emergency services were called to Rhigos Road, near the New Inn pub, shortly after 9pm on Thursday, December 4.(Image: Rob Browne)
A man has been charged after allegedly driving a bulldozer into a village pub. Daniel Morgan, 35, is accused of putting lives at risk by deliberately driving the bulldozer into the pub and a car in an alleged targeted attack.
The bulldozer reportedly ploughed into the front porch area of the New Inn pub in Rhigos while drinkers were still inside. Morgan, of Rhigos, Aberdare, has been charged with burglary, aggravated vehicle taking and property damage, dangerous driving and criminal damage recklessly endangering life.
The alleged incident on Thursday, December 4 left the pub in a mess. Pictures taken at the scene on Friday morning showed the front entrance area of the pub badly damaged. For the biggest stories in Wales first, sign up to our daily newsletter
Morgan has been remanded until his next court appearance on January 5. A spokesperson for South Wales Police said on Monday morning: “Following a report of a man having driven a bulldozer into a pub on Smith’s Avenue, Rhigos on Thursday night a 35-year-old local man has been charged.
“He has been remanded in custody until his next court appearance on January 5, 2026.” Morgan was taken to hospital following the alleged incident and no-one else was hurt.
In a previous statement, a police spokesperson said: “We were called just after 8.45pm on Thursday, December 4, with a report of a man having driven a bulldozer into a pub on Smith’s Avenue. The driver of the bulldozer had also driven over a parked, unoccupied car.
“We have reason to believe that this incident may have been targeted rather than random, and we are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding it.”
The pub announced on Sunday evening that they are set to reopen at 5pm on Monday, December 8, after being given the go-ahead by structural engineers. They have thanked their local community for their kindness.
The owners posted on their Facebook page: “After a criminal attack on the pub last Thursday we have had an independent structural engineer here tonight and he has said the building is safe and we are opening as normal from 5pm tomorrow onwards, only using the side entrance. We would like to thank everyone for their messages and support over the last few days.”
There was a large emergency services presence at the scene late on Thursday evening, December 4. Paramedics and police were sent to the pub with members of the public asked to avoid the area.
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