A JCB was driven into the front of a Cardiff restaurant in the early hours of Monday morning, causing significant damage to the premises and prompting a police investigation. The incident occurred at around 1:45 am on Countisbury Avenue in Llanrumney, where the vehicle crashed into the building occupied by Square Pizza. Reports indicate that the JCB had been stolen from a farm in St Mellons before being driven into the restaurant.
Business Responds to Incident
Following the incident, a spokesperson for the business stated: "We are aware of the damage caused to our store overnight. Our focus now is supporting our staff, cooperating with any relevant authorities where required, and moving forward as a business. Thank you to those who have reached out respectfully and allowed the proper process to take place." The restaurant has been closed as police continue their investigation.
Resident Describes Aftermath
Residents woke to scenes of extensive damage on Monday morning as police attended the scene. One local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, described the aftermath: "My husband rang me around seven o'clock this morning on the way to work. He was turning down Bridgewater Road when he saw police vehicles around the area. He saw that the JCB had gone into the pizza shop - it was a terrible mess."
She added: "No other businesses on the street were affected but you never know what could have happened - it could have disturbed the gas and it would have lit up - so glad no one is hurt. I am so sorry for the owners, there is nothing worse than coming into that. You can see that it's a massive job. There is chipboard boarding up the place so no one can come in or out. Police were very quick to the situation and have done a very good job."
Police Investigation Underway
A spokesperson for South Wales Police confirmed officers were called to the incident shortly before 2 am. "At around 1:45 am this morning (Monday, June 8) South Wales Police responded to a report that a JCB had been driven into a business premises on Countisbury Avenue, Llanrumney," they said. "The JCB has been reported stolen from a farm in St Mellons and an investigation is ongoing."
Local inspector Meg Butler said officers are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. She added: "Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances and motive. Understandably there is a lot of speculation within the community about this incident. We would ask anyone with information, no matter how small it might seem, to please contact us directly or Crimestoppers anonymously by one of the following means quoting 260017853."
Anyone with information is urged to contact South Wales Police via 101, online, or through Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
