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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
David Powell

Rampaging gangs of 'frightening' youths clashing on buses for days

Rampaging gangs of "frightening" youths have been clashing on buses in chaotic scenes. There has been outbreaks of trouble and "anti-social behaviour in the Caernarfon area in recent days. One passenger said a group of 20 youths from Bangor caused "conflict".

And in another incident one boy was allegedly dragged off a bus by a yob, NorthWalesLive reports.

North Wales Police says it is increasing patrols to tackle anti-social behaviour in the area generally and Gwynedd Council criticised the culprits.

Read more: 400,000 households in Wales to get £200 towards their energy bills this winter

It comes as hooded youths were spotted on a CCTV camera carrying a long scaffolding pole through Caernarfon town centre . Others have wielded baseball bats. Some residents claim parts of the town are no-go areas while others say the problems are exaggerated, with bored kids having nothing to do.

The bus passenger, who wishes to remain anonymous, told North Wales Live that he had seen anti-social behaviour on buses in Gwynedd.

He said: "I was on a T2 bus at 9.15pm one night recently and there were 20 youths at Caernarfon bus station. They had been to Llanberis and were on their way to Bangor.

"I don't think any drivers have been threatened personally. But something happened between these boys and there was some conflict between them.

"A bus could get damaged and some passengers are quite frail ladies. Crowds of lads can be quite frightening."

He added: "Another time one boy got dragged off a bus by a youth. The driver had to stay in his seat and he was quite upset. Maybe more police patrols would help."

Gwynedd Council criticised people guilty of anti-social behaviour.

A Gwynedd Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of incidents of anti-social behaviour directed at public transport busses. Our thoughts are with the passengers and drivers affected and we strongly condemn such acts.

“We are working with North Wales Police to investigate the incidents and to put measure in place to ensure the safety of all those aboard buses in Gwynedd.”

North Wales Police say they are taking action.

Inspector Arwel Hughes told North Wales Live: “There is a lot of work ongoing at the moment to tackle anti-social behaviour. This includes increased resources and patrols, as well as evidence gathering towards a public spaces protection order.

"It would seem that these incident are routinely shared on social media but not reported to the police. I would urge anyone who has concerns to contact us in the first instance.”

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