27 charged in connection with Mayhill riots

27 people have been charged in connection with riots and disturbance in the Mayhill area of Swansea in May last year.

South Wales Police have confirmed those charged are between the ages of 15 and 44.

The charges laid are for the offence of riot, with two defendants also facing charges of arson with intent to endanger life or being reckless as to whether a life of another would be endangered.

They are due to appear in Swansea Magistrates court between 2nd – 4th March 2022.

Chief Superintendent Trudi Meyrick, policing commander for Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, said:

“Following a thorough investigation by local detectives the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) received files of evidence against these individuals. After detailed consideration by the CPS they have authorised the charges of riot and arson with intent to endanger life be brought.

“The investigation team were resolute in their commitment to fully investigate the disorder that happened that night; residents of Mayhill were subjected to terrible scenes of disorder which caused serious harm and distress to the community.

“The judicial process will now run its course and we await the outcome of that process. In the meantime our local Neighbourhood Policing Team continues to work in partnership with agencies and the local community to tackle the issues that matter most to the residents of Mayhill and surrounding areas.”

The incident, which was focused on Waun Wen Road saw cars set on fire, homes damaged and residents left terrified.

An independent review released last month criticised the response from South Wales Police, for filing to deploy a public order unit to the scene.