Gwent Police said they believed there to be a ‘serious threat and risk to life’
Armed police stormed a Newport home after a call raised fears of a “risk to life” – but it turned out to be a hoax. Two people have now been arrested in connection with the incident.
Gwent Police confirmed officers attended the flat on Beatty Road in the city’s Ringland area last month. The property was raided shortly after 9pm on Saturday, March 29, but it has now been acknowledged that there was no threat to anyone inside and they were victims of a hoax call.
A friend of the resident whose home was raided said: “They were sitting at home, in the bedroom, watching TV on Saturday night then all of a sudden heard a big bang.
“I think they thought it was bad weather at first but the police had raided the house. There was about 40 police in masks and all they could see was their lips.”
Chief Inspector Martin Cawley said: “At about 9pm on Saturday, March 29 we received a call where there was a serious threat and risk to life.
“Due to the nature of what we believed to be a genuine call, in order to protect the potential victims, officers, including firearms, went to an address on Beatty Road, Ringland.
“Following further enquiries it was established that all possible victims were safe and that this was a hoax call.
“A 23-year-old woman and a 37-year-old man, both from the Newport area, have been arrested on suspicion of malicious communications and released on police bail pending further enquiries.
“Every call we receive is risk assessed and the public rightly expect us to respond, when police are diverted to hoax calls it prevents us from responding to genuine calls from the public who need our help.”
The force has confirmed that a complaint has been made regarding its attendance at the property last month, which is currently being investigated, and stated that it would be “inappropriate to comment further at this time”.
It is understood that the occupant has not returned to their home since the incident occurred.
Housing association Hedyn, formerly known as Newport City Homes, has confirmed that it has completed the necessary repairs to the property.
A spokesperson stated: “We are working with the resident at Beatty Road and have completed the necessary repairs. We will offer our continued advice and support as needed.” Don’t miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here
