Two teenagers have died in a crash that sparked a night of riots in Ely, Cardiff. Police were called to Snowden Road at around 6pm on Monday night.
Police and Crime Commissioner Alun Michael said on Tuesday morning that two teens had been involved in the crash. There had been reports of a police chase, but South Wales Police said the crash had occurred before officers arrived on the scene.
Hundreds of people gathered at the scene following the crash and rioting broke out as tensions rose. We put together this piece on everything we know about the crash and the rioting that followed.
Mr Michael told BBC Radio Wales: "The start of the incident was a road traffic incident which sadly involved two teenagers and a loss of life. That's a tragedy that the police attended and were attempting to investigate when these events took place."
When asked about speculation that two people have died, he said: "That is my understanding. Police are investigating that incident and trying to assist those families involved as that is a tragedy that needs attention and a lot of sympathy."
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Travis later confirmed the two deaths, saying: “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."
Mr Michael was asked if that what caused the disorder.
He replied: "The word cause is not the right one to use. That seems to be a trigger. And there were also unfounded rumours of a police chase which was not the case and it just shows how particularly with things going round on social media which may have very little connection with the truth things can escalate very rapidly."
Officers faced what they called a "large scale disorder" after receiving reports of the collision on Snowden Rd around 6pm. At least two cars were set on fire as trouble flared for hours, involving scores of youths, with some covering their faces with masks.
A fire was burning and a helicopter could be heard hovering overhead as rioters threw missiles, including fireworks, at the attended officers. Scenes being livestreamed on YouTube showed young people throwing fireworks and other missiles at a line of police officers with riot shields who were blocking one end of the street.
Shortly before midnight a car was set on fire and burned fiercely, while a second vehicle was overturned and set ablaze. A member of the public was attacked due to rioters thinking they were an undercover officer, according to one of the senior officers at the scene.
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, followed by police who were trying to disperse them. The rioters continued to throw missiles and set cars alight.
Mr Michael said that a dozen police officers were injured last night, adding, "fortunately none of them life threatening although that is a matter of luck not intention. There were a lot of calls from members of public in the area very worried about the activities that were taking place and the events to which the people responded to quickly. The police officers attended to respond to the road traffic accident and things then seem to have then escalated.
"There will be an investigation. I know that police officers are involved in trying to work out what happened both with the road traffic accident and also what led to the violence."
ACC Travis said: "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."
A police presence remains at the scene on Tuesday morning and buses have been diverted in the area.
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