This video shows a mob attacking, kicking and hurling objects at a police van as it attempts to leave the scene of a major disturbance in Mayhill, Swansea on Thursday night.
The crowd can be seen violently attacking the van as it reverses away slowly. Other videos show officers in riot gear and shields having things thrown at them as people scream, laugh and film it. You can follow live updates on this developing incident here.
As one man picks up what looks like a stone or a brick, someone shouts "Put it through!" He then hurls it at the police van. A large crate is also thrown at the van's windscreen. As the van reverses, people can be heard screaming in encouragement of the attacks on the van.
The incident is believed to have started as a vigil but it descended into shocking, appalling violence. South Wales Police said a number of its officers had gone to the scene and told residents to stay indoors.
Other footage shows a car being rolled down a hill towards homes and parked cars, as another car burns halfway down the hill. That is shown in this video below:
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. The incident is still ongoing and we urge anyone involved to leave the scene immediately."
He added: “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.”
Anyone with any information, photographs or video footage is asked to contact police online at: https://bit.ly/SWPProvideInfo, via DM on Facebook or Twitter, aia email at PublicServiceCentre@south-wales.police.uk or phone 101. Please quote Incident 992 of 20th May
