BOYS ‘ROBBED AT KNIFEPOINT’ IN CARDIFF PARK:
FIVE teenagers have been arrested after two boys were allegedly robbed at knifepoint in a Cardiff park.
Hailey Park in Llandaff North was busy on Sunday afternoon when the alleged robbery took place.
The two boys were stopped and had their bikes taken.
Three 14-year-olds and two 13-year-olds have been arrested in connection with the incident.
A South Wales Police spokeswoman said: “A witness has described one of the suspects as holding what appeared to be a knife.”
There was a large police presence on Station Road and there were arrests on Sunday afternoon.
An eyewitness, who was cycling through the park at around 4.30pm, said they saw police officers in the park at that time.
The park was busy with cyclists coming back from the car-free day in Cardiff city centre.
Local councillor Jennifer Burke-Davies spoke of her shock at the alleged crime.
She said: “This is a shocking incident to take place in Cardiff and not indicative of the community that lives in Llandaff North.
“Thank you to those residents who helped the two victims of the crime and we will be working closely with South Wales Police, endeavouring to ensure that something like this doesn’t happen here again.”
The incident comes at a time of increased concern about knife crime.
In South Wales alone, recent figures showed knife crime has risen by 23% – with 724 crimes recorded in 2018 compared to 591 in 2017.
Figures published last month showed police in Wales and England recorded 40,829 offences involving knives or sharp objects in 2018, the highest number since comparable data started in 2010-11.
The UK Government said it was boosting police funding by more than £1bn, including council tax and money specifically earmarked for tackling serious violence.
South Wales is one of several UK policing areas to be given greater stop and search powers.
It will also receive part of a £100m fund being distributed to forces across the UK in a bid to tackle serious violence.