Two people remain in police custody after shots were fired at a car during a major firearms incident in Swansea. South Wales Police declared a critical incident on Friday evening after a vehicle travelling on the A48 Clase Road in the Morriston area was damaged in a suspected shooting.
A 41-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy, both from Llansamlet, have been arrested in connection with the incident. The man was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life, while the teenager was arrested on suspicion of affray. They both remain in police custody at this time.
Police said one person had presented with injuries described as minor. The force added that it was not currently aware of any major injuries or fatalities connected to the incident.
What happened
The incident occurred shortly after 5pm on Friday, November 6, in the Morriston area of Swansea. Events are understood to have begun near the Asda supermarket on Clase Road, between Morriston and Llansamlet.
South Wales Police initially confirmed that officers were attending an incident on the A48 Clase Road, close to Castle Bingo, and warned motorists that the road had been partially closed. The force later confirmed that a vehicle had sustained damage consistent with a firearms discharge.
A critical incident was declared as a major police response unfolded across the area. This has since been stood down.
Two people arrested
South Wales Police confirmed that two people from Llansamlet had been arrested in connection with the incident. A 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life, and a 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of affray.
Both remain in police custody on Saturday morning as the police investigation continues.
One person suffers minor injuries
In an update issued late on Friday evening, police said that one person had presented with injuries described as minor. The force added that it was not currently aware of any major injuries or fatalities linked to the incident.
Police also addressed rumours circulating on social media, urging members of the public not to share unverified information. A spokesman said: "We encourage the public to avoid sharing unfounded rumours and to only share information from verified and official sources."
Armed police and helicopter deployed
The incident prompted a significant emergency response, with armed police officers deployed to the scene. Witnesses reported seeing a police helicopter circling above the area, while a large number of officers were spotted on the ground.
Footage from the aftermath showed armed officers attending the scene, with several damaged vehicles visible on the dual carriageway. Videos also appeared to show what looked like bullet holes in the side of a car. Other vehicles appeared to have sustained significant damage, with debris scattered across the carriageway.
Roads closed as public told to stay away
A substantial police cordon was established around the area as officers dealt with the incident. Closures affected Upper Fforest Way, from the Asda roundabout to A48 Clase Road, and A48 Clase Road towards the A4067 dual carriageway.
Members of the public were urged to avoid the area while police activity continued. However, South Wales Police confirmed early on Saturday morning that all roads had reopened.
Car fire reported near the scene
The incident also coincided with reports of small fires in the vicinity of Clase Road. The fire service confirmed it had been called to a car fire, which was subsequently extinguished. It remains unclear whether the fire was connected to the firearms incident.
Local fireworks display cancelled
A local fireworks display organised by Morriston Town AFC was cancelled at the request of police following the incident. The cancellation came as officers continued their response and members of the public were advised to stay away from the area.
The latest police update
Chief Superintendent Stephen Jones thanked the public for their patience and understanding following the incident. He said: "We thank the public wholeheartedly for their understanding and support during an incident which will have caused great concern to the people of Morriston, Llansamlet and wider Swansea. This investigation remains ongoing and a policing presence will continue in the area as officers work to reassure the local community."
Police also confirmed that members of the public should expect an increased police presence in the area on Saturday as enquiries continue. The force has appealed to anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has relevant footage or information, to come forward.
