MAN ARRESTED OVER DISAPPEARANCE OF RICKY HARRIS IN 2023

South Wales Police arrested a 41-year-old man from Mountain Ash on suspicion of preventing a lawful burial and perverting the course of justice in connection with the disappearance of Ricky Harris. Harris was last seen on 18 November 2023 in Maes-Y-Deri, Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf. Despite an exhaustive search conducted since his disappearance, his body has not been recovered. Harris's family has been informed of the arrest.

Officers are currently searching the Phurnacite plant in Abercwmboi village, a smokeless fuel briquetting facility spanning 150 acres. The search is expected to require considerable time to complete. The operation represents a significant development in a case that remained unsolved for more than two years.

The arrest marks the first substantial progress in the investigation since Harris went missing. South Wales Police continues its efforts to locate Harris's remains at the industrial site. The force has not yet provided information regarding whether the search has yielded any findings.