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Emergency services workers were verbally abused, threatened and had rocks thrown at them while on a Bonfire Night patrol in Caerphilly town.
Gwent Police officers were, alongside firefighters from the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and members of the council’s Parks team, called to a bonfire on Pen y Bryn, Penyrheol at around 9.30pm on Thursday (November 5).
A Gwent Police spokesperson said: “On attendance, emergency service personnel were verbally abused and threatened by youths, who then threw items at the vehicles.
“We’re currently reviewing the officers’ body-worn footage and CCTV footage from the area and those identified as causing disorder will face enforcement action.”
In a statement, Caerphilly County Borough Council said: “Thankfully, nobody was hurt in the incident.
“This sort of behaviour is absolutely disgraceful and will not be tolerated. We are working with the police to find those responsible to take the necessary action.”
Posting on Twitter, Caerphilly Council also said one of its vehicles had been targeted.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, annual fireworks displays across the borough were cancelled, leading to many residents choosing to hold their own fireworks displays.
The Gwent Police spokesperson added: “Bonfire Night is typically an event that represents significant demand for emergency services.
“Last night saw the vast majority of our communities across Caerphilly County Borough adhering to current Welsh Government restrictions. To those individuals, we’d like to express our thanks.
“Working with our colleagues in South Wales Fire Rescue Service, we carried out a number of proactive patrols to reassure members of the community.
“Caerphilly central officers received 11 calls in relation to antisocial behaviour regarding fireworks and gatherings on Thursday, November 5.
“Officers engaged with the persons present to reach a safe resolution and no enforcement action was required.
“No issues were reported to officers in Caerphilly north.”
A spokesperson for the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said they “received a total of four incidents relating to bonfire/fireworks”.
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