Cardiff LIVE: Violent mob goes on rampage in city centre – police warn stay away_L
There’s “chaos” in Cardiff city centre as people are warned to “stay away from town” because it is “full of riots”.
Police said they are “aware of some incidents of disorder” that have taken place in Cardiff city centre ahead of today’s Championship match between Cardiff City and Bristol City at Cardiff City Stadium.
Earlier today a bus was attacked and damage was caused in the Welsh capital.
One witness said: “Football fans are hitting our bus as they go past, a masked one just booted the door of the bus that we are on. He’s cracked the glass. Bus driver has some sort of radio telling all buses to avoid town centre.”
A police spokesman said: “A policing operation is in place to ensure both sets of supporters can leave the stadium safely following the match.”
This is a live blog – please follow below for updates.
Clash between Cardiff City and Bristol City supporters
Cardiff City are hosting Bristol City in the 104th Severnside Derby in South Wales today, with tensions ramping up between fans before the match.
Kick off was at 12:30pm and the second half began at 1:30pm.
‘Swarm’ of football fans
A father and son were “shaken up” after a “swarm” of around 100 football fans passed them on the street near Cardiff’s Principality stadium.
Matt Thomas told WalesOnline: “I would say there were around 100 of them and police with truncheons were trying to guide them down Westgate Street.
“One of them hit the door [of the bus we were on] and the glass smashed.”
Police release statement
South Wales Police say the force is “aware of some incidents of disorder that have taken place in Cardiff city centre” ahead of today’s match, which kicked off at 12:30pm.
“Officers have been very busy in ensuring supporters get to the stadium as quickly as possible,” a spokesperson said.
“A derby fixture such as this always comes with a highly charged atmosphere. Unfortunately there will always be a minority that seeks to engage in disorder, but officers are responding quickly to stop any such incidents.
“A policing operation is in place to ensure both sets of supporters can leave the stadium safely following the match.”
Mob launches missiles at pub
Around 100 people were caught on video launching missiles at a pub as police worked to pull apart rival football supporters outside the Prince of Wales pub on St Mary’s Street, WalesOnline reports.
Good afternoon
Good afternoon, we’ll be brining you all the latest developments on reported disorder in Cardiff ahead of today’s Championship match.
Please get in touch at eleanor.burleigh@reachplc.com if you have a story or tips to share.
