Police Apologise Over Mayhill Riots
Report criticises South Wales Police over response to Swansea Violence
Last updated 24th Jan 2022
South Wales Police have apologised for their 'failings' following the Mayhill riots in Swansea last year.
Cars were burned and homes targeted in Waun Wen Road on May 20th in a night of unprecedented violence.
Today's report into the riots says South Wales Police need to learn from their mistakes on that night and apologise.
It says all available evidence shows residents were left unprotected for a significant period of time and says the question 'why?' still needs to be answered.
Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan has issued a statement. He says: “I want to apologise to all those who have been affected by this incident and particularly those local residents who were tormented by those responsible. We failed to take action quickly enough on the night and for that I am truly sorry.
"We have made some immediate improvements to our operational practices following this incident including how we manage information around an escalating incident and how we draw upon resource from across South Wales and beyond more quickly.”
"We got our response wrong"
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Travis, who oversaw the initial operational review following the incident, said:
“I know the community wants to see those responsible for these terrible events brought to justice and I would like to personally thank those who have assisted our investigation so far and we are hopeful of a charging decision from the Crown Prosecution Service in the very near future following a comprehensive investigation into what went on.
“A large group of individuals were involved in shocking scenes of disorder which led to vehicles being set alight and a number of residents feeling terrified in their own homes and in need of help and support.
“Our response to that incident was reviewed internally and has now been the subject of the Independent Learning Review which has concluded that there were areas where our response on the night fell short of our usual high standards and the expectations of the community. A number of areas of learning have been highlighted in relation to our response and we fully accept the findings of the review.
“We are determined that our learning from this event will continue as we use the recommendations of the Independent Learning Review with oversight from the College of Policing so that we can fully understand how events unfolded on the night and take appropriate action.
“South Wales Police has an excellent reputation for policing major sporting and other international events. We have well-trained officers who have the skills to deal with the most challenging of incidents which makes it all the more frustrating that on this occasion we recognise that we got our response wrong, something which we fully accept.
“The local policing team in Swansea is committed to providing the best level of service to the community of Mayhill and will continue to work with residents, partners and organisations to ensure we keep them safe."
Trying to right the wrongs
Swansea Council has issued a statement following publication of the report.
It says: "We have already started work to address the panel's recommendations for the council and are meeting with partners to improve the way we work together and to develop a plan to further strengthen community development, including youth provision and safe spaces.
"We will look to further support groups, organisations and individuals who make positive contributions to the community and also develop initiatives in other areas of Swansea.
"In the last few years a new health and children's centre has opened, there has been investment to further extend Flying Start provision, money has been spent on creating an early help hub and on school holiday activities and other youth provision.
"Since May the council has installed a new play area in Mayhill Park and a pop-up youth club has started in the community centre and there have been other activities including a very success free family fun day.
"We will be further boosting our youth services and facilities in this area as part of our on-going investment in our young people.
"We've also been talking with businesses about improvements to commercial areas such as Gors Avenue to make them a more welcoming space as part of Swansea's Economic Recovery Plan for businesses across the city.
"Following our immediate response to clear and repair damage caused during the disturbance, we have also taken action to resurface roads, spruce up street furniture and cut back overgrowth with more to come.
"We are working with residents on developing a new road layout and landscaping to create a new natural barrier on Waun Wen Road and, subject to their support, we will look to create a new play area and community space as part of this work.
"We will also be furthering our community engagement activities and community action projects, not just in Mayhill and Waun Wen but across Swansea, by developing local initiatives to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, raising awareness of volunteering and promoting shared values, diversity and inclusion."