Downing Street has branded the overnight scenes of rioting in Cardiff that followed the deaths of two young boys in a crash as "appalling and completely unacceptable".
On Tuesday morning, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's official spokesman said: "The reports of disorder, violence, arson and specifically attacks on police officers are appalling and unacceptable.
"We remain grateful to the emergency services and first responders for all their support to the community and restoring order."
It echoes comments from South Wales Police who said the level of violence was "totally unacceptable". Follow all the latest on the incident here.
Tension broke out after police were called to reports of a crash on Snowden Road at around 6pm on Monday night (May 22). Police said the collision occurred before they arrived on the scene and confirmed on Tuesday morning that two teenage boys had died.
Hundreds of people gathered at the scene and as tensions rose missiles were thrown at police officers and cars were torched.
On Tuesday morning, police issued a statement saying: "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: "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.
"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."
Meanwhile, First Minister Mark Drakeford said it he was "very concerned to see the upsetting reports from Ely overnight".
He added: "My thoughts are with all those affected. We continue to monitor the situation to gain a fuller understanding of the circumstances."
Anyone with information about the collision or the disorder is asked to contact South Wales Police on 101 quoting 2200166555.
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