Police release gallery of rioters who sent burning cars down a hill
Police release gallery of ‘wanted’ rioters who sent burning cars freewheeling down a hill, pelted police van with rocks and hurled bricks through windows during vigil for teenager in Swansea
- Detectives issued 11 images of potential suspects they wish to question over riot
- Police also confirmed 31 arrests have been made in connection with the incident
- Gathering intended to be a vigil for 19-year-old Ethan Powell after he died in May
- But crowds descended into chaos and South Wales Police van was forced to flee
Police have released a gallery of ‘wanted’ rioters who sent burning cars freewheeling down a hill, pelted a police van with rocks and hurled bricks through windows during a vigil for a teenager in Swansea.
Detectives issued 11 images of potential suspects – including two females and nine males – all of whom they wish to question over the riots which saw 200 people cause carnage in Mayhill, South Wales, on May 20.
Police also confirmed that 31 arrests have been made so far in connection with the incident and and that an investigation is ongoing.
The gathering was intended to be a vigil for 19-year-old Ethan Powell after he died in May. His cause of death is not publicly known.
But the crowds descended into chaos and a police van was forced to flee after being hit with rocks.
Flames were also seen billowing from a torched car as onlookers gathered to watch, with locals saying the car belonged to a man who tried to stop the violence.
Detectives issued 11 images of potential suspects – including two teenage girls (pictured above) and nine males – all of whom they wish to question over the riots in Mayhill, Swansea
Two people who police wish to speak to in connection with the riots, pictured above. Disturbing video footage showed the group rolling a car down a hill
The gathering was intended to be a vigil for 19-year-old Ethan Powell after he died in May. His cause of death is not publicly known. But the crowds descended into chaos
And disturbing video footage showed the group rolling a car down a hill – towards the burning vehicle – before it crashed into a wall.
Terrified residents hunkered down in their homes as their cars were destroyed outside and bricks were hurled towards their homes.
Witnesses claimed a woman in her 90s living nearby had her ‘windows put through’ by the group – as did two other neighbours.
It took hours until officers were finally able to get the scene under control.
In a statement posted alongside the selection of images, South Wales Police said: ‘A criminal investigation into the incident continues and we have made a total of 31 arrests so far in connection with the events in Mayhill, Swansea, on May 20.
‘We’ve released a selection of images of people we want to speak to.
‘Officers believe the people in the photographs could have information which will help their investigations.’
Speaking following the riot, local Welsh Parliament member Tom Giffard described the scenes as ‘disturbing’.
Two photos from the selection of images released by South Wales Police. The force said: ‘A criminal investigation into the incident continues’
South Wales Police appealed for anyone who recognises people in the photographs to contact them by phoning 101 quoting reference number 2100176569
Two photos released by police of people they wish to speak to over the riot. Locals rushed to Twitter to blast the group for gathering during what was meant to be a ‘nice send off’
South Wales Police said: ‘We’ve released a selection of images of people we want to speak to. Officers believe the people in the photographs could have information which will help their investigations’
Locals also rushed to Twitter to blast the group for gathering during what was meant to be a ‘nice send off’ and balloon release for teenager Mr Powell.
One social media user wrote on Facebook at the time: ‘I am shocked at the disrespect shown to Ethan Powell tonight.
‘I never knew the lad but read how many people respect him. I bet he is looking down on you all with disgust. He wouldn’t want this and neither do his family want this.
‘So know that Swansea is not proud of you as you are all a disgrace. You have not done him proud you have dishonoured him. You’re the scum of the earth.’
Another person added: ‘The start was brilliant but this has gone way out of hand!
‘I know Ethan loved an argument with the police but this has gone next level, kids and people living by are absolutely petrified!
‘The videos I’ve been sent are disgusting, I know Ethan would never have taken it this far. Bikes and balloons we said, not a f***ing riot!’
Flames were also seen billowing from a torched car as onlookers gathered to watch, with locals saying the car belonged to a man who tried to stop the violence
Terrified residents hunkered down in their homes as their cars were destroyed outside and bricks were hurled through the windows of their homes
Locals and council workers pictured cleaning up in Mayhill, Swansea, after a group set fire to cars and rolled them down a hill during the riot on May 20
Detective Superintendent Gareth Morgan said: ‘I would like to thank the local community for its assistance throughout the course of our investigations.
‘The large majority that were present that night were not actively involved in the disorder. The critical task for us has been to identify those who were specifically involved in committing criminal offences that evening.
‘What happened that night has had a huge impact on many families and people, the effect of which has continued for some time.’
He added: ‘The investigation team have had a challenging task in reviewing in excess of 800 pieces of evidence from CCTV and social media footage which has been obtained.
‘Given that volume of footage any help the public can offer in assisting with identifying these persons is considerable.
‘I appreciate that the quality of the images is not very clear, but I am hoping that people may recognise some of those in the gallery imagery.’
South Wales Police appealed for anyone who recognises people in the photographs to contact them by phoning 101 quoting reference number 2100176569.
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