Police cordon off tallest building in Wales amid 'incident'

The tallest building in Wales has been cordoned off by police due to an “ongoing incident”.

South Wales Police refused to comment on reports that armed officers have been called to the Meridian Tower in Swansea.

Road closures have been put in place at the bottom of the building and the public are being advised to avoid the area.

A force spokesman said: “Police are dealing with an ongoing incident at the Meridian Tower in Swansea.

“Road closures at the foot of the building have been put in place.

“Members of the public are encouraged to avoid the area until further notice - their co-operation is much appreciated.”

At 300ft (90m), the tower has become a landmark on the Swansea’s skyline since completion in 2009.

The penthouse Grape and Olive restaurant on the top three floors of the tower has panoramic views over the city and out across the Bristol Channel and Brecon Beacons.

Eyewitness Mathew Wilkins said he was first aware of the incident when he heard the police helicopter overhead.

“At about 4.45pm I could hear the helicopter overhead, and then five or 10 minutes later it came back again so I took a video of it,” he told the BBC.

“I was looking up and down to see if the traffic was moving and then I saw what I thought was an armed response vehicle flying towards the scene. I have seen an ambulance coming from the area.”