COPS BLAST BAY ‘PARTY’
POLICE ANGER AT LATEST LOCKDOWN MASS GATHERING IN CARDIFF, FOLLOWING PREVIOUS DISTURBANCES
THERE were fresh warnings on the dangers of mass gatherings yesterday as the Home Secretary warned such incidents seen over recent days were “unacceptable” and risked a second deadly spike of coroanvirus.
Priti Patel’s comments came after concerning scenes in Liverpool and London and less than 48 hours after police were called to break up a night of disturbances in Cardiff.
They echo the response in Wales to “brawls” and “ugly scenes” seen at Ogmore-by-Sea last week, which prompted First Minister Mark Drakeford to warn that they risked bringing a halt to the relaxation of lockdown rules.
Following the latest developments in England, Ms Patel said police would continue to break up such gatherings and that the “full force of the law” would come down on those found guilty of assaulting emergency service workers.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people packed into a public square in Cardiff Bay on Friday night before the police were called to break up yet another night of disturbance.
Throngs of people were seen lining the steps of Roald Dahl Plass, which were left covered with glass bottles and plastic cups after officers broke up the gathering in the early hours of Saturday morning.
One local resident, who asked not to be named, described the behaviour of those who attended as “appalling”.
It was the second night in the row the area has seen mass gatherings and anti-social behaviour.
The incident happened in the plaza outside the Wales Millennium Centre, near the Senedd, from around 9pm on Friday, until after midnight. Cars were seen abandoned on double yellow lines, blocking Bute Crescent, and engines were heard revving all evening.
On Saturday morning beer cans and bottles were left strewn across the area.
Rubbish left at the scene also included canisters of nitrous oxide, commonly used as a recreational drug and referred to as “hippy crack”.
The resident estimated there were around 300 people packed into the area, failing to comply with social distancing.
Men and women were seen urinating against walls.
He added: “[There were] scenes of fighting and drunkenness into the early hours. I have never seen such terrible behaviour.”
Police were called, with several police cars and vans seen to attend, and the incident ended around 12.30am.
The resident said he and his neighbours felt “angry” and “very frightened” by the behaviour.
“The mess left afterwards was another sad sight for tired eyes,” he said.
“The smell of urine is appalling and how people feel they can do it anywhere is selfish.”
Local residents say Roald Dahl Plass has been the venue for a number of late-night parties during the recent heatwave.
People living near the area, which is just metres from the Senedd building, said around 200 gathered the previous day – late on Thursday and into the early hours of Friday morning.
They said music went on into the early hours and Friday night’s gathering was the fourth in a row.
One resident said earlier in the week: “We have listened to loud music, shouting, the sound of cars driving in and out of
Bute Crescent... and the revving of car engines at all hours.
“We have also watched drunken behaviour, the beautiful Plass, streets and private property being used as toilet facilities, as well as the selling, snorting and sniffing of drugs.
“On top of that we have been left every day with the carnage of the leftovers and the empties strewn across the pathways, our doorways.”
The reports come after another mass gathering in South Wales.
Police said young people from across South Wales travelled to Ogmore-by-Sea on Thursday evening.
After the images from Ogmore emerged, First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “We will not be able to continue easing restrictions if scenes like [Ogmore] continue to happen.
“They threaten the health of people in Wales and undermine the sacrifices the majority of people have made during this ongoing crisis.”
Fortunately, there were no further reports of such mass gatherings on the South Wales coast on Saturday night.
But police have warned that further anti-social or violent behaviour will not be tolerated.
Chief Superintendent Andy Valentine said: “Such behaviour has a detrimental impact on the wider community and antisocial behaviour or criminality will not be tolerated.”
South Wales Police has seen an increase in reports of antisocial behaviour in some parts of the force area in recent days.
They say some people have used the recent good weather and easing of coronavirus restrictions as an excuse to ignore the government legislation and guidance.
Chief Supt Valentine added: “Our officers are responding to these incidents and are using the powers available to them, including dispersal orders and enforcement action.
“However, with more than 100 miles of coastline, parks, towns and city centres, it is extremely challenging and we cannot be everywhere all of the time.”
He explained that existing demand from all other crimes and daily business does not go away while officers deal with these incidents.
The officer suggested those committing anti-social behaviour and other criminality risk keeping them away from people who need them the most.
He continued: “We will work tirelessly to uphold the law, but we cannot do this alone. Personal responsibility is crucial as civil restrictions ease.
“Those gathering in large numbers and engaging in anti-social behaviour will know that their actions are irresponsible.”
He asked parents and guardians of young people to ensure they know where their children are and what they are doing.
Chief Supt Valentine said the kind of behaviour seen by some young people in recent days is “unacceptable” at any time.
South Wales Police are