Two people have been arrested after a car was damaged by gunfire in the Morriston area of Swansea, with police declaring a critical incident and one person reported to have sustained minor injuries.
A 41-year-old man from Llansamlet was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life, and a 16-year-old boy, also from Llansamlet, on suspicion of affray. South Wales Police said the car on the A48 Clase Road sustained damage consistent with a firearms discharge. Officers were at the scene by 7pm on Friday.
Road closures were in place from the Asda roundabout on Upper Fforest Way to the A48 Clase Road and from there to the A4067 dual carriageway. A local firework display was cancelled and residents were urged to stay away. The National Police Air Service helicopter was circling the area but later returned to base.
Video circulating online appears to show armed police inspecting an Audi with a smashed driver's side window and a rear number plate hanging loose. Chief Superintendent Stephen Jones said a policing presence would be visible in the area while the investigation was ongoing. “It is important that people avoid the area so we can effectively deal with this incident and return the area to normality,” he said.
Police said they were not currently aware of any major injuries or fatalities linked to the events. The force also warned against sharing unverified claims on social media. “We encourage the public to avoid sharing unfounded rumours and to only share information from verified and official sources,” a statement said.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The shooting and police response have disrupted the local community, with road closures and event cancellations affecting residents in Swansea.
- Police have warned against spreading unverified rumours, highlighting the risk of misinformation during sensitive incidents.
- The arrests indicate the seriousness of the incident, but the investigation continues, leaving questions about the circumstances.
Background
On Friday evening, police responded to reports of a car being hit by gunfire on the A48 Clase Road in Morriston, Swansea. The area was cordoned off, armed officers were deployed, and a local firework display was cancelled. Later that evening, two arrests were made and a critical incident was declared.
What to Watch
- Whether further arrests are made as the investigation develops.
- Any update on the condition of the person who sustained minor injuries.
- Additional information from South Wales Police on the motive or circumstances of the shooting.
Checked
9 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 9 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedA police incident is ongoing in Morriston, Swansea.BBC Wales: “Dywedodd llefarydd ar ran Heddlu De Cymru fod y digwyddiad yn parhau.”
- SupportedVideos shared locally appear to show a car hit by a gunshot.BBC Wales: “Mae fideos sy'n cael eu rhannu'n lleol yn dangos swyddogion heddlu wrth ymyl car sydd wedi stopio ar Clase Road, ger archfarchnad ASDA. Mae'n ymddangos bod y car wedi'i daro gan ergyd gwn.”
- SupportedA local fireworks display was cancelled.BBC Wales: “Mae clwb pêl-droed lleol, Morriston Town AFC, hefyd wedi canslo arddangosfa tân gwyllt oedd i fod i gael ei chynnal.”
- SupportedSouth Wales Police said officers were dealing with an incident on the A48, Clase Road, near Castle Bingo in Morriston.BBC Wales: “Mewn datganiad byr, dywedodd y llu fod swyddogion yn delio â digwyddiad ar yr A48, Clase Road, ger Castle Bingo yn Nhreforys.”
- SupportedPart of the road is closed.BBC Wales: “Ychwanegodd fod rhan o'r ffordd wedi'i chau, gan annog gyrwyr i osgoi'r ardal a chynllunio eu teithiau ymlaen llaw.”
- SupportedSouth Wales Police advised motorists to avoid the area.BBC Wales: “Ychwanegodd fod rhan o'r ffordd wedi'i chau, gan annog gyrwyr i osgoi'r ardal a chynllunio eu teithiau ymlaen llaw.”
- SupportedThe National Police Air Service helicopter was seen circling the area before returning to base.BBC Wales: “Roedd hofrennydd Gwasanaeth Hedfan Cenedlaethol yr Heddlu i'w weld yn cylchu uwchben yr ardal, ond mae bellach wedi dychwelyd i'w ganolfan.”
- SupportedMorriston Town AFC said police had informed the club that it needed to cancel the event because of an ongoing situation, and advised everyone to stay home.BBC Wales: “Mewn neges ar y cyfryngau cymdeithasol, dywedodd y clwb: "Yn anffodus, mae'r heddlu wedi ein hysbysu bod angen canslo'r digwyddiad oherwydd sefyllfa sy'n parhau. Mae hyn yn dod i rym ar unwaith. "Rydym yn cynghori pawb i aros gartref."”
- SupportedPolice urged drivers to plan their journeys in advance.BBC Wales: “Ychwanegodd fod rhan o'r ffordd wedi'i chau, gan annog gyrwyr i osgoi'r ardal a chynllunio eu teithiau ymlaen llaw.”