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A 29-year-old man from Pentwynmawr has become the eighth person charged with violent disorder after fighting in Blackwood and Newbridge last week.

Omed Pirot appeared in Newport Magistrates Court on Tuesday February 18 having initially been taken to hospital with injuries after the fighting on Thursday February 13.

Seven men, aged between 24 and 30, were remanded into custody following their appearance at the same court after they were all charged with violent disorder.

Detective Inspector Elaine Newbury, the senior investigating officer, said: “Reports of this type are very concerning to our communities, but it is thanks to the swift actions of those who reported this to us that we were able to act quickly and decisively.

“While these incidents are rare, they are still very serious and these arrests show that we will not tolerate this behaviour.

“Our connection to our communities drives us to keep Gwent safe, and we are proud to have worked swiftly and diligently for the residents of Blackwood and Newbridge to secure these eight charges.”

Newport Magistrates’ Court was told on Monday February 17 the disorder was in relation to a “turf war” between rival barbers over plans for a new shop in Newbridge.

Around 16 people were involved in the fights with several injured – including one with a stab wound.

The seven men charged with violent disorder are: Bave Hamed, 30, of Cwrt Bryn y Grug, Blackwood; Shahab Husseini, 24, of Clarence Street, Pontypool; Sardam Ebrahimi, 25, of Central Avenue, Oakdale; Bryar Muradi, 28, of Central Avenue, Oakdale; Alan Karimi, 30, of Malefant Street, Cardiff: Adnan Mohamad, 29, of Malefant Street, Cardiff; and Krmanj Sadiq, 29 of Ferry Court, Cardiff.

All of the defendants were refused bail and the court was told they all intend to plead not guilty.

They were remanded in custody and will appear next at crown court on March 17.

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.