Swansea riots: Teen boy, 16, and four men arrested after cars set on fire and houses pelted with bricks in vigil
A TEEN boy and four men have been arrested after cars were set on fire and houses were pelted with bricks in Swansea during a vigil. Football fan Ethan Powell, 19, fell ill last Monday night after watching his beloved Swansea City in the Championship playoff match on TV with his grandfather Terry. He went home […]
A TEEN boy and four men have been arrested after cars were set on fire and houses were pelted with bricks in Swansea during a vigil.
Football fan Ethan Powell, 19, fell ill last Monday night after watching his beloved Swansea City in the Championship playoff match on TV with his grandfather Terry.
He went home and was found unconscious by his grandmother Sheryl who dialled 999.
Ethan was flown by air ambulance to Morriston Hospital, Swansea, where he died on Wednesday after his life support machine was turned off.
Friends of the teen had organised three balloon release events in memory of the popular boy.
However, the vigil for the dead teenager blew up into a full-scale riot.
Now police have made five arrests after the shocking scenes.
A police statement said: “The local males aged 36, 20, 18 and 16 have been arrested on suspicion of unlawful violence and remain in police custody.
“There have been no further incidents of violence or disorder since Thursday night and increased patrols will continue over the weekend.
“Officers wish to thank those residents who have already come forward and provided witness statements and video footage. However, they are also appealing for more information.”
Detective Superintendent Gareth Morgan, who is leading the investigation for South Wales Police, said: “There are many residents who were present at the scene during the disturbance and will no doubt know the identity of those who caused damage and threatened violence.
“I urge the public not to protect those who showed such disregard for the community of Mayhill and to give us the names of those who can been seen on social media footage.
“We have a dedicated team of detectives who are carrying out extensive inquiries to identify those involved and we are ready to act upon any information received.
“Detectives and uniform officers will be present and visible in the community over the coming days and weeks with further arrests expected.
“Those that want to hand themselves in can do so at Swansea Central Police Station.”