A woman shot dead on a residential street in a south Wales town has been named as Joanne Penney.
Police were called to reports of the shooting in the Green Park area of Talbot Green at 6.10pm on Sunday.
Officers and paramedics attended the scene, where a 40-year-old woman was found with serious injuries. She died at the scene despite the efforts of emergency services.
A 42-year-old man from Talbot Green has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is in police custody.
On Monday, South Wales police said in a statement: “Although formal identification has yet to take place, we believe the victim to be 40-year-old Joanne Penney.
“Her next of kin has been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
“We would ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.”
Neighbours expressed their shock at what had happened, with some describing hearing a gunshot.
Tyler Davis said he received multiple phone calls just after 6pm on Sunday and came out of his house.
“I saw lots of police and the ambulance outside,” he said. “I couldn’t have imagined it would be what it was. I don’t know the people who live there personally.
“We have had a few incidents, my neighbour upstairs was killed about 18 months ago, but nothing of this type. A lot of people are concerned about living here. We don’t feel safe.”
Alex Davies-Jones, the MP for Pontypridd, said on Facebook: “Last night, a woman’s life was tragically cut short. Her name was Joanne Penney. She will be mourned by our whole community.
“I am in close contact with the police regarding the investigation and am grateful an arrest was made swiftly. I have also raised the case with the UK minister for policing and crime prevention.
“I have been deeply moved seeing the tributes from Joanne’s friends. May she rest in peace.”
Neighbours and residents of the town brought flowers to police officers at the cordon.
One woman, who lives near the property where the incident took place, walked through with two bunches of flowers.
She said: “You couldn’t wish for a lovelier person. She was a lovely woman.”
A number of residents described concerns about the area, including allegations of drug issues.
Rhondda Cynon Taf county borough councillor Sarah Jane Davies posted on Facebook that she had spoken to the police and crime commissioner and raised “the concerns of residents”.
She said the shooting was the second serious incident in six weeks, referencing an alleged attack at Talbot Green police station on 31 January.
Davies said councillor Andrew Morgan, the leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf, and Davies-Jones “appreciate and understand the real concerns in the local area”.
Speaking in the early hours of Monday, a South Wales police spokesperson said several crime scenes had been set up in the area and road closures were in place.
DCI James Morris said: “I understand the concern this will cause the local community, and I want to reassure people that a team of experienced detectives are already working at pace to piece together the events of last night.”
