A carer has died after being stabbed at a retirement village in Bridgend and crashing her car into a wall while trying to reach hospital, police said.
Eleanor Barnfield, 47, was found with puncture wounds after her vehicle collided with a wall on Coity Road at about 12.43pm on Monday October 19. She was taken to Princess of Wales Hospital, where she later died.
South Wales Police said the injuries were unrelated to the collision. Ms Barnfield, a mother of two from North Cornelly, had been working at the Ger-y-Nant complex, a Valleys to Coast property.
A 61-year-old man from Bridgend was arrested on suspicion of murder after a significant police operation at the retirement village. He remains in custody.
Police operation at Ger-y-Nant retirement village
Officers were sent to the complex after Ms Barnfield was discovered in her car. Police said the suspect had barricaded himself inside a room, prompting the deployment of armed officers and the evacuation of residents.
Witnesses described a large police presence, with roads cordoned off and some residents escorted to and from their homes. Residents were later allowed to return, although some were required to sign in and out.
Gavin Owen, who lives nearby, said police officers, detectives and armed teams had attended the scene. He said officers asked residents for doorbell-camera footage and used ladders and cable ties during the operation.
Chief Superintendent Jason Rees described the incident as “deeply distressing” and said the community’s co-operation had helped lead to an arrest without further injuries.
“We thank those displaced from their homes overnight for their co-operation at a worrying time as we support them in returning home,” he said.
Ms Barnfield had reportedly driven only about 300 yards before the crash. Neighbours claimed she had been told an ambulance would involve a long wait, while reports also said a 999 call made at 11.25am cut out shortly after the collision.
The Welsh Ambulance Service said it was investigating whether it had received a call from the victim, but denied reports that she had been told there would be a three-hour delay.
The service said several 999 calls had been received at the time and inquiries were continuing to establish whether one had been made by Ms Barnfield.
A spokesman said: “Inquiries are ongoing for this incident and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”
Family pay tribute to Eleanor Barnfield
Ms Barnfield’s family said she was the “kindest, most loving, bravest person in the world”.
They added: “She meant everything to us and will be forever loved and missed deeply by her devoted family and friends. She was our rock.”
Valleys to Coast said it was “deeply saddened” by the incident and confirmed that a member of its team had been involved.
“Our thoughts are with our colleague’s family, friends and everyone affected by this,” the housing association said. “We are working closely with South Wales Police and cooperating fully with their ongoing investigation.”
Police have appealed for anyone with information or footage relating to the incident to contact the force.
