Cardiff car crash leads to riot amid rumour of police chase
A RIOT broke out in Cardiff last night at the scene of an earlier vehicle crash.
Videos shared on social media showed a large crowd of people gathered around a fire on a road in Ely, while riot police faced the crowd in an attempt to control “large-scale disorder”.
Objects were reportedly thrown at police, and the windscreen of at least one service vehicle was smashed.
At least six police vans were called to the scene, while officials urged people to avoid the area.
People were gathering items of rubbish and furniture to add to a fire in the road, Wales Online reported.
They were also pushing breeze blocks off garden walls and carrying them into the middle of the road, according to the website.
Fireworks were reportedly set off, while police with dogs attempted to move the crowd back.
A serious road crash was reported on Snowden Road shortly after 6pm, police said.
Unverified posts on social media later speculated that the collision had been caused by a police chase.
Police urged people “not to speculate” online, and said the crash had happened before officers arrived.
In an initial statement on Twitter, South Wales Police Cardiff said: “Emergency services are at the scene of a serious road traffic collision on Snowden Road, Ely.
“The road is closed between Wilson Road and Jackson Road. Please avoid the area and take an alternative route.”
In a later update, the force said there were “now a large number of officers working to manage the collision”, but also to “de-escalate ongoing disorder at the scene”.
“We urge anyone involved to leave the scene and ask local residents to stay away while the matter is brought to a safe conclusion,” police said.
As the situation escalated, South Wales Police again urged people to leave the area.
In an update at 11.15pm, the force said: “Shortly after 6pm, we received a report of a serious road traffic collision on Snowden Road.
“Police responded to this collision, which had already occurred when officers arrived.
“We need to ensure this evening’s collision is effectively investigated.
“Officers remain on the scene to manage a large-scale disorder. Again, we urge anyone involved or watching to leave immediately.
“We understand the concern from local residents and we ask you to stay indoors.”