Cars set on fire in Swansea disorderon May 20, 2021 at 10:49 pm

Gangs of “yobs” have been setting fire to cars and rolling them down a hill in Swansea in “disturbing” footage circulating on social media.

South Wales Police said they attended “large scale disorder” in the Mayhill area of the city on Thursday evening.

Welsh Parliament member Tom Giffard has called the scenes “disturbing” as officers said the public are “requested to disperse and leave the area”.

Swansea’s council leader called it “disgusting behaviour by yobs”.

Officers think the “disorder” on Waun-wen Road started as a vigil to a local person who recently died.

“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,” Supt Tim Morgan said.

One local resident, who did not want to be named, told the BBC the disturbance “all started with some fireworks at around 7.30pm”.

“Police initially turned up and got out of the van to try to stop what was happening,” he said.

“But they got pelted with rocks and then they got back in the van and left.

“We were trapped in the house with two young kids. They were really scared so I put them at the back of the house.”

“There were loads of teenagers and they were rolling a car down the street and setting cars on fire.

“We’re getting out of here tonight now and going to stay elsewhere with family just in case they come back.”

Swansea council leader Rob Stewart said the situation was “completely unacceptable and inexcusable.”

“Our thoughts are with the residents who have had to put up with this utterly despicable behaviour in our community,” he said.

One family on Waun-wen Road said their 90-year-old mother had her windows smashed and was being evacuated – but did not want to be identified as they did not “want to be targeted.”

Officers have urged anyone involved to leave the scene “immediately” and said that “those involved can expect to face robust action”.

“Post incident investigations will also aim to identify all those concerned,” added Supt Morgan.

“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.

He asked residents to stay indoors “while the matter is brought to a safe conclusion.”

Welsh secretary Simon Hart condemned the “disgraceful scenes” and added: “A tough night for the police dealing with such reckless behaviour. No excuses, police right to robustly respond.”

Local resident Tyler Thomas has set up an online fundraising page to help the people affected by what is being described as the “Mayhill riot”.

More than a dozen police vehicles and fire engines were on standby outside Townhill Police Station in case the violence erupted again.