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Policing of violence at Cardiff Gaza protest 'poor' | |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Police have been criticised over their handling of a protest march in Cardiff after video footage emerged of violence erupting during it. | |
Bar stools and glasses were thrown as 1,500 people opposed to Israel's military action in Gaza took part. | |
MP Stephen Doughty has raised concerns and a Newport councillor said South Wales Police's policing was "poor". | |
Two arrests were made but police did not directly link the trouble to the rally. They have been asked to respond. | |
Cardiff South and Penarth MP Stephen Doughty, who was also taking part in the rally, raised concerns over the policing of the protest which was organised by Cardiff Stop the War Coalition. | |
Mr Doughty told BBC Wales: "I've had a number of conversations with the police about the events and I'm assured the police are investigating the matter thoroughly. | |
'Unpleasant things' | |
"There were police and PCSOs and they were monitoring the situation. | |
"I was taking part in the march and I witnessed the incident on St Mary Street. | |
"The march itself was very peaceful but there were some unpleasant things being said from outside and I think some guys were throwing things from outside the Walkabout. | |
"I didn't witness the incident on Mill Lane but I spoke to some people straight after saying glasses had been thrown. I phoned the police immediately." | |
Newport councillor Majid Rahman said the marchers heard racist chants as they made their way past Walkabout on St Mary Street before the violence erupted on Mill Lane. | |
"A lot of marchers were injured but because there was no police presence, the people who hurled glasses, tables and chairs got away with it," he said. | |
CCTV footage | |
"South Wales Police were poor - it was a lack of presence. | |
"When I got back to City Hall, I saw two police officers then a van of police officers turned up, but by then it was too late because we were back safe at City Hall. | |
"The response was inadequate, it was poor and they need to answer for this." | |
South Wales Police released a statement after the protest saying: "The arrests related to an incident on Mill Lane and officers are also investigating disorder in St Mary Street to see whether any offences occurred. | |
"Police are continuing with their investigations into both incidents through recovery of CCTV footage and enquiries with witnesses, however South Wales Police would like anyone with information to come forward." | "Police are continuing with their investigations into both incidents through recovery of CCTV footage and enquiries with witnesses, however South Wales Police would like anyone with information to come forward." |
The force has been asked to comment on concerns over its policing of the event. |