Eight men arrested after fights in Blackwood and Newbridge

Eight men have been arrested and two roads remain closed after two separate fights broke out in Blackwood and Newbridge.

At around 2.45pm today (Thursday February 13), Gwent Police were called to an ‘alleged disorder’ on Blackwood High Street, and ten minutes later were called to another incident on Newbridge High Street.

Eight men were arrested, and paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service remain on site.

Superintendent Mike Preston said: “We’ve brought this disorder in Blackwood and Newbridge to its conclusion and there is no ongoing danger to the public.

“We currently have eight men in police custody at this time for offences linked to the disorder and they will be undergoing questioning after we understand the full extent of the injuries sustained.

“If you have any information on the identities of anyone involved, or details that could assist our enquires then please contact us immediately.

WARNING: video embedded from Facebook contains bad language

“This behaviour is completely unacceptable, and we will take action against anyone intent on causing this level of harm and disorder in our communities.”

If you have any details which could help, you can call Gwent Police on 101, or by contacting them via social media using log number Blackwood: 2500047958 and Newbridge: 2500047973.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Nigel Dix, Independent councillor for Blackwood, said: “This sort of behaviour is obviously not acceptable. I’ve never known the likes of it before, and it’s a stain on what was once a lovely little valley town.

“Blackwood has a lot of potential, but actions such as this will drag our name through the dirt. I hope the police handle this without fear or favour and send a message to those involved.”

Islwyn Senedd member Rhianon Passmore said she was “deeply disturbed”.

She said: “I commend Gwent Police for taking urgent action to safeguard law abiding citizens going about their business and the Welsh Ambulance Service for responding swiftly.

“It is simply unacceptable for the heart of our communities to experience disturbances at any time let alone during the day.

“I will be asking Gwent Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner for a briefing on what has taken place, any possible causes and the proposed actions being taken to reassure the public.”