Officer hurt as yobs hurl stones at 999 crews
A POLICE officer has been injured after a stone was thrown during an emergency call-out.
Officers from Gwent Police and fire crews from South Wales Fire and Rescue were responding to incidents around Rhymney and Phillipstown, where a fire engine was also damaged.
It is believed that as emergency services arrived on the scene of these incidents, youths from the areas threw debris and stones at police officers and fire crews.
The incidents, which happened on Friday and yesterday, involved arson, criminal damage and hate crime.
An increased police presence will remain in place in the area and Inspector Andy O’Keefe of Gwent Police has issued a warning to those involved.
Insp O’Keefe said: “During our response, debris and stones were hurled at both Gwent officers and the South Wales Fire Service Crew – by who we believe were youths from the area.
“This sort of behaviour illustrates complete disrespect to the people who work around the clock, often putting their own lives at risk, to keep us safe in our communities.
“This is disappointing, to say the least. These sorts of incidents can intimidate the most vulnerable members of our communities and it is our job to respond to these incidents.
“Some of the offences included, arson, shouting racial abuse and criminal damage – for which if a person is arrested and charged, they can expect to incur a criminal record – if found guilty in court, some of these crimes can also carry prison sentences.”
He added: “The incidents that were initially reported include: a fire on Jones Street (Log: 380 11/01/19), stones being thrown at an address in Jones Street (Log 453 11/01/19), a ramp set on fire (Log 470 12/01/19), a report of hate crime at an address in Jones Street (Log 161 12/01/19) and a report of criminal damage on Penrhyn Terrace where fence panels were being damaged (183 12/01/19).
“I will now ensure these crimes are investigated and that every effort is made to identify those responsible for putting fire crews and our officers and the public’s safety in jeopardy, and they are held to account.”
“Vehicles are vital to the daily work carried out by the emergency services and the loss of just one vehicle can have a serious impact on the way in which emergencies are dealt with.
“This was a mindless and frustrating crime that will ultimately have consequences and our communities will suffer.
“I hope the residents of Rhymney will agree that this is not acceptable and support my team, our officers and our partners in ensuring these people are identified.”
■ Anyone with any information or anyone who may have witnessed the incident is urged to contact Gwent Police on 101 or send a direct message to Gwent Police’s Facebook or Twitter pages, quoting the log number above.