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Seven men are due in court after being charged in connection with violent mass brawls in Newbridge and Blackwood.

The men, aged between 24 and 30, will appear at Newport Magistrates Court on Monday February 17 after they were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder on Thursday February 13.

They had originally been scheduled to appear in court on Saturday February 15.

At around 2.45pm that day, 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.

Gwent Police said an eighth man, also arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, remains in hospital receiving treatment. His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening or life-changing.

Police continue to appeal for information from the public. People can call 101, quoting the following log reference: Blackwood: 2500047958 and Newbridge: 2500047973 or contact the force via direct message on social media.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Superintendent Michael Preston said: “We understand the impact that this incident can have on the community, and we’d like to offer reassurance that this incident is an isolated one and not linked to previous antisocial behaviour reported in the area.

“We’d also like to thank our community for their support and for reporting this to us quickly which allowed our officers to swiftly attend, arrest and subsequently see seven men charged.

“Violent disorder will not be tolerated and we’re proud to work with our community and partners to keep Gwent a safe place to live and work.”

Blackwood open for business

Councillors representing Blackwood have been keen to stress that such outbreaks of violence are incredibly rare, and that Blackwood is open for business.

Cllr Andrew Farina-Childs said: “Despite the unacceptable issues that have occurred in our town recently where, Kevin Etheridge, Nigel Dix and I along with Blackwood Town Council have raised concerns with the police, I would just like to remind people that all the shops, cafes and the cinema are still open for business and would encourage people to still come to Blackwood.”