Police are investigating online abuse after villagers in Newbridge, Wales, mistook a group of Scouts for illegal immigrants. The Scouts, more than 30 teenagers from Scotland, were camping at the CRAI Scout Activity Park near Caerphilly when locals confused their accents with those of asylum seekers.
A video circulated on social media claiming to show 'immigrants' being moved into the site. The clip was taken down after police were alerted, but comments on it are now under investigation for racist language. Temporary Chief Superintendent Jason White of Gwent Police said: 'We're aware of several posts responding to a social media video... The video was removed but some of the posts contained inappropriate and offensive language.'
False claims that police were guarding the area also spread online. Chief Superintendent White corrected the mistruths, stating: 'The group featured in the video were visiting from another part of the country to attend a frequently used Scout camp... many of the people in the video are children. The site is used by our dog handlers to train police dogs when not used for visits, and our officers are not guarding the location.'
Scouts Cymru issued a statement condemning the incident: 'CRAI Scout Activity Park is an inclusive and welcoming campsite... We are aware of a racially aggravated incident targeting under-18s who were leaving after visiting our activity centre and are working closely with the police.' The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to safety and robust action against any threatening behaviour.
