Youths riot in Swansea’s Mayhill after ‘vigil’ turns violent

A major clean-up is underway in the Mayhill and Waun Wen areas of Swansea after large groups of youths gathered last night setting fire to cars and throwing bricks at vehicles and homes.

Video footage shows a car set alight and another being smashed up before being rolled down the steep hill into bollards half way down Waun Wen Road in the city.

South Wales Police urged residents to stay indoors while the matter was brought to a safe conclusion.

Superintendent Tim Morgan said: “What is believed to have started as a vigil to a recently deceased local resident has escalated into violence, criminal damage and a wanton disregard for public safety.

“We have a number of officers at the scene working to de-escalate the situation as quickly as possible and allow other emergency service colleagues to attend to calls in the area.”

 “Those involved can expect to face robust action. Post incident investigations will also aim to identify all those concerned.”

This morning, council teams were already on site to lead the clean-up operation and help make people’s properties safe and secure. This included helping with repairs to damaged doors and windows.

Council officers were also removing any burned-out cars and repairing damaged areas of roads and pavements.

Bollards removed during the disturbances will be replaced with temporary concrete bollards for the time being.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “We are here for the community of Mayhill and Waun Wen. The council is acting quickly to respond to last night’s disorder by cleaning-up damage, reassuring residents and helping make people’s properties safe and secure. We will also liaise with residents in the community to explore if there is any further support the council can give.

“What happened last night is neither reflective of Mayhill and Waun Wen, nor Swansea. These yobs are a minority and their behaviour is disgusting and unacceptable. We are working with South Wales Police to help identify, pursue and prosecute those responsible.

“People have the right to feel safe in their home and community. We will be doing everything we can with the police to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”

Welsh Secretary, Simon Hart MP said: “Disgraceful scenes this evening from Mayhill, Swansea. A tough night for the police dealing with such reckless behaviour. No excuses, police right to robustly respond.”

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “The violent scenes in Swansea last night were completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated anywhere in Wales. Thank you South Wales Police for bringing the situation under control and continuing to monitor it closely this morning.”

South Wales Police Chief Inspector Jeremy Vaughan said: “Saddened and furious at events in Swansea last night. So many families will have been tormented by those responsible, rest assured we at South Wales Police will stop at nothing to find them. We will work hard with others to help and support local residents who deserve better than this.”

Anyone with information or video footage of the events in Mayhill and Waun Wen is being urged to contact South Wales Police.