The Home Secretary Priti Patel has condemned a riot in Swansea, saying the scenes were ‘absolutely disgraceful’.
She posted on Twitter saying her thoughts were with the residents of Mayhill ‘who had to endure such shocking behaviour’.
She thanked South-Wales police officers and has backed them to take ‘robust action’ against those involved.
Absolutely disgraceful scenes in Swansea last night. My thoughts are with Mayhill residents who had to endure such shocking behaviour.
Thank you to the brave officers @SWPSwansea for bringing it under control.
Police have my backing to take robust action against those involved. https://t.co/pOJ99yDWCX
— Priti Patel (@pritipatel) May 21, 2021
Hundreds of people gathered in the Mayhill area on Thursday evening where vehicles were set on fire, houses damaged and police vehicles attacked.
Investigations are now underway and police say they will be doing all they can to identify those responsible.
Shocking footage appeared on social media showing cars on fire and people cheering as vehicles were stamped on and rolled down a hill at high speed.
The First Minister Mark Drakeford has described the scenes as “completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated anywhere in Wales.”
He thanked South Wales Police for bringing the situation under control and “continuing to monitor it closely this morning.”
The riot broke out shortly after 7pm during a vigil for a local man who had recently died.
After fireworks were thrown, violence and chaos erupted.
