Two arrests over schoolboy assault video

Charlie Buckland
BBC News
Google The outside of Lliswerry High School in Newport, south Wales. Green gates can be seen at the entrance alongside a navy school sign. A bike shed can be seen beyond the gates to the right of a path towards the school. Grass covered the ground around the path and two bikes lean against the gate. Google
Two people have been arrested after a Lliswerry High School pupil was assaulted in Newport

A man and a teenage boy have been arrested after a video was uploaded to social media showing a schoolboy being assaulted in Newport.

Gwent Police said it was made aware of the video on Wednesday evening, which showed a Lliswerry High School pupil being assaulted by a group of children as he was held by a man.

The school said it was aware of the "serious incident", which took between 15:10 and 15:20 BST, on a footbridge over Spytty Road, Lliswerry.

A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of affray and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and a 13-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, with both being held in custody.

Meanwhile the young person identified in the video is receiving support.

"We're also continuing to liaise with staff at nearby Lliswerry High School in connection with enquiries regarding a separate assault that reportedly took place earlier in the day," said Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Townsend.

"We understand the concern that incidents of this nature can cause, and that residents will want to express these concerns.

"But we must also stress that everyone needs to consider the tone and language they use when posting on social media."

She urged people not to speculate or identify those involved while investigations continue.

The school said it would ensure a full investigation was carried out in cooperation with the police and Newport council, which confirmed it was aware of an assault which took place near the school.

The council added the alleged victim returned to school on Thursday, and said it was in close contact with the school.

Gwent Police also confirmed officers were aware of a separate allegation of assault involving a different child from earlier in the day and that investigation was also ongoing.

It added: "We understand the worry and concern that incidents of this nature can cause, and would like to thank the community for the information they've given us up to now."