Police statement on Ely, Cardiff disorder last night

Police are investigating a serious road traffic collision where two boys died and scenes of violent disorder which took place.

A spokesperson for the force said: “Shortly after 6pm yesterday we received a report of a serious road traffic collision on Snowden Road which resulted in the deaths of two teenage boys.

“Police responded to this collision which had already occurred when officers arrived, and they remained on scene to manage a large-scale disorder until the early hours of this morning.

“Specially-trained public order officers were also deployed, including officers from neighbouring police forces.

“Several vehicles were set alight, property was damaged and police officers were injured during the incident.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Travis said these are scenes no one expects to see.

“First and foremost our thoughts are with families of the two boys who have died following the collision in Ely and with those affected by the disorder which followed,” said Constable Travis.

“These are scenes we do not expect to see in our communities, particularly a close-knit community such as Ely. We received a large number of calls from residents who were understandably frightened by the actions of this large group who were intent on causing crime and disorder.

“The level of violence towards emergency services and the damage to property and vehicles was totally unacceptable.

“Our focus now is to fully investigate the circumstances of the collision and the appalling scenes that followed.

“Arrests have already been made in connection with the disorder and more will follow. We shall be maintaining an enhanced police presence throughout the week and into the weekend.

“We would like to thank the public for their support and appeal to anyone with information or video footage to come forward and provide that to us.”