A GARAGE attendant got the shock of his life last Wednesday when a funeral cortege of more than 50 people, travelling to Fishguard Harbour, rushed into Ridgeway filling station, Haverfordwest, and helped themselves to £300 worth of alcohol and sweets.

Police caught up with the cortege after further reports of inconsiderate driving. Dog handlers were also present and a thorough search was carried out causing the Stena Europe ferry to be delayed by 45 minutes.

Several arrests were made.

Garage attendant Jim Mcgill said: "A hearse and three stretch limousines pulled up outside, then Land Rovers and Range Rovers started to pull up.

"About 50 people got out all at once and rushed into the garage. They raided the alcohol, sweets and crisps and ran out without paying. It was a scary sight, very overwhelming.

"There was absolutely nothing we could have done to stop them!"

Inspector Phil Jones said: "On Wednesday, we were made aware of a concentration of itinerants who were apparently intoxicated and could have posed a problem. We also received reports of inconsiderate driving.

"They belonged to a funeral cortege travelling from the London area to the Republic of Ireland. Around 50 people stopped at Ridgeway Garage on the Fishguard Road, where £300 worth of goods was taken.

"Officers acquired a CCTV tape from the garage and six arrests were made. One individual paid the cost of the goods, being around £300.

"The persons were then sent on their way."

He added: "It is likely that the persons involved will have been banned from using Fishguard port again."

Ian Davies, ship operations and port manager, said: "Police carried out a thorough search of 50 plus people travelling to Ireland, who were going to a funeral.

"This cased a delay of 45 minutes to the Stena Europe. At no time was there any danger to other passengers on the ferry."