Cars have been torched, windows smashed and cops attacked as a memorial descended into violence in the streets of Swansea.
The chaotic scenes showed two cars ablaze as a throng of people were seen chanting and cheering while another vehicle was pushed down a steep hill into bollards in the Mayhill area of the city last night.
People were seen hurling objects and shouting at retreating riot police in the disturbance that involved around 200 people, reports Wales Online.
Delivery driver Adam Romain told how there was 'literally a riot' on his doorstep as his family cowered inside their home.
He said: "“I’ve had a phone call from my girlfriend saying that there was a riot essentially going on outside, cars being burnt. I understood that it was my car – it was all said very quickly.
“I shot back as quickly as I could – I was out doing deliveries. I came back as quick as I could and drove up right into the middle of it. About 100 lads throwing bricks, burning up cars. I stood here, put my motorbike inside the house, was trying to protect it, and was stood here trying to protect my home, my family, my children, and my missus was in the back hysterical, crying, scared to death.
“They’ve tried to light this car on fire. They’ve taken a bumper off another car and it’s been thrown in there and then they’ve run back up the hill. As soon as they’ve left I’ve gone outside and tried to stop it from catching fire."
Video from the scene appeared to show a mob attacking, kicking and hurling objects at a police van as it attempts to leave the scene.
The crowd can be seen violently attacking the van as it reverses away slowly while other footage showed officers in riot gear and shields dodging missiles as people scream, laugh and film the scenes.
As one man picks up what looks like a stone or a brick, someone shouts "Put it through!" before hurling it at the police van.
Local Welsh Parliament member Tom Giffard branded the scenes 'disturbing'.
Welsh secretary and Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MP Simon Hart said: "A tough night for the police dealing with such reckless behaviour.
"No excuses, police right to robustly respond."
South Wales Police Superintendent Tim Morgan said that what was believed to have started as a vigil for a recently-deceased local resident had escalated into "violence, criminal damage and a wanton disregard for public safety".
He added: "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.
"The incident is still on-going and we urge anyone involved to leave the scene immediately.
"Those involved can expect to face robust action. Post-incident investigations will also aim to identify all those concerned.
"In the meantime, we urge local residents to stay indoors while the matter is brought to a safe conclusion.
