The video appears to show an attack involving children and an adult
An urgent police investigation has been launched after a video appearing to show a boy being attacked was shared on social media. Footage appearing to show a pupil from Lliswerry High School being held by a man and subsequently attacked by a group of children has been widely shared online.
The incident is understood to have taken place in the Lliswerry area of Newport on Wednesday afternoon. Gwent Police have now confirmed they are aware of the incident, and are investigating.
Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Townsend said: “We are aware of a video circulating on social media appearing to show a school pupil being assaulted.
“We believe the incident took place in Lliswerry, Newport, and officers are working with urgency to identify both the victim, and those involved.
“We understand the concern such an incident will raise in our communities, but, as we carry out our enquiries, I’d ask people to not speculate on social media but to contact us immediately if they saw the incident or have any information.
“If you do have information you think could help our investigation, please let us know by calling 101 or by direct messaging us on social media, quoting log 444 of 14/05.”
The school’s head teacher Julia Fitzgerald issued a statement alongside the chair of governors Mark Howells, confirming to parents that they are aware of the incident and are working with police.
Their statement read: “We are aware of a serious incident that took place after school today involving some of our learners.
“Rest assured that it has been reported to the police and we will ensure a full investigation is carried out in cooperation with the police and local authority.”
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