South Wales Police issued an update in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday, May 23) after "large scale disorder" broke out in the Ely area of Cardiff yesterday. The trouble flared after what police described as a "serious road traffic collision".
Police told the PA News agency that the collision “had already occurred when officers arrived”. Rioters were still on the streets more than nine hours later.
Shortly before midnight, a car was set on fire and burned fiercely. A second vehicle was then overturned and set ablaze.
READ MORE: Disabled woman 'trapped' after rioters torched her car
And a member of the public was reportedly attacked due to rioters thinking they were an undercover officer, according to one of the senior officers at the scene. And police, including mounted officers on horseback, were seen outside Ely police station in the early hours of Tuesday after suggestions it could be targeted.
Shortly before 3am, rioters moved down Highmead Road in Ely, following by police who were trying to disperse them.
One resident of Highmead Road, who did not want to be named, told the PA news agency: “Enough is enough now. This has gone beyond. When people are making fun of what’s happening on social media it’s crossed a line.
“This is our neighbourhood and those doing this are just kids. It needs to stop.”
In a brief statement issued on social media at 1.10am, a police spokesperson said: "Police are continuing to monitor and respond to disorder in Ely. A number of vehicles have been set alight.
"Arrests are being made. A large police presence remains in the area."
A live video feed on social media showed at least two cars on fire. It also shows a line of police officers behind a wall of riot shields being goaded by members of the public - some of whom through missiles at the officers.
Eyewitnesses report seeing items on fire in the road, with riot police with shields the other side of them. They said people were taking rubbish, chairs and sofas towards the fire.
One woman was heard suggesting people there take her old carpet to add to the fire. There are also reports that people have been pushing concrete blocks off garden walls and are carrying them towards the fire and the police.
In a string of earlier statements, police said: "Emergency services are at the scene of a serious road traffic collision on Snowden Road, Ely. The road is closed between Wilson Road and Jackson Road. Please avoid the area and take an alternative route.
"There is now a large number of officers working to manage the collision, but also to de-escalate ongoing disorder at the scene. We urge anyone involved to leave the scene immediately and ask local residents to stay away while the matter is brought to a safe conclusion.
"Emergency services remain at the scene. It is important that people avoid the area so we can effectively deal with this incident. Please avoid speculation – we will bring you the latest details as soon as we can - all of our updates must be factual.
"Shortly after 6pm, we received a report of a serious road traffic collision on Snowden Road. Police responded to this collision, which had already occurred when officers arrived. We need to ensure that this evening's collision is effectively investigated.
"Officers remain on scene to manage a large-scale disorder. Again, we urge anyone involved or watching to leave immediately. We understand the concern from local residents and we ask you to stay indoors."
The latest updates on this story can be found here.
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