Street closed after mass brawl
A SOUTH Wales street was closed off to traffic last night due to “fighting” and “a mass brawl” at 10pm.
A number of people could be seen fighting as they left pubs and bars on the busy street, onlookers claim.
Images posted on social media showed large crowds gathering and there was no police presence. Residents say it has been a weekly occurrence on Friday and Saturday night.
Gwent Police posted a picture on social media informing people they would be present at High Street in Caerleon.
However, residents say at 10pm there were no officers to police the crowds leaving pubs.
One resident, who didn’t want to be named, said: “It is a weekly occurrence now and it’s totally unacceptable.
“All we’re asking for is for the police to be present at 10pm. They tweeted a picture at 8.30pm and at 10pm there was no sign of them.
“Councillors have met with police recently to ask them to be present and we were assured that they would be. Residents shouldn’t have to put up with this.”
Joan Watkins, a Conservative councillor for Caerleon, attended High Street last night following the spate of complaints by residents. She said she sat and watched in her car as people brawled outside the pubs.
“There has definitely been an issue over the last few weeks with people fighting when the pubs close at 10pm,” she said.
“I’ve met with a number of police officers to discuss the issue but last night was crazy. Local residents shouldn’t have to put up with this and they’ve been complaining a lot recently.
“There was no social distancing, people were going to taxis without face masks. This could’ve been avoided had the police been at the scene.
“I was told that a police van was present at around 8pm but not at closing time.
“I’m not saying to people ‘don’t go out’ – I was young once too – but now is a time when people have to act responsibly and that’s all we’re asking for.”
A spokeswoman for Gwent Police, said: “At 10pm yesterday evening (Saturday, October 10) Gwent Officers responded to a report of disorder in the area of High Street in Caerleon.
“Shortly after, officers arrived along with our dog section, however the incident had dispersed and officers spoke with members of the public who were present.”
Chief Inspector of Operations for Newport and Monmouthshire, Rob Jenkins, added: “We are investigating the matter and will take any necessary enforcement action against those responsible for any disorder.”