**Police Respond to Shocking Video of Assault on Schoolboy Circulated Online**
An urgent police investigation is underway in Newport after footage appeared on social media showing a distressing incident involving a schoolboy. The video, which has been widely circulated, seemingly depicts a pupil from Lliswerry High School being grabbed by an adult before being assaulted by a group of children.
The incident is understood to have taken place on Wednesday afternoon in the Lliswerry area of Newport. The footage has provoked significant concern among residents, with many sharing messages of shock and support for the victim online. The precise circumstances and motivations behind the attack remain unclear, but the distribution of the video has intensified anxieties within the local community.
Gwent Police quickly responded after becoming aware of the video’s existence on multiple social media platforms. In a statement, Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Townsend confirmed their awareness of the incident and stressed the importance of a thorough inquiry. She urged members of the community not to speculate online, saying: “We are aware of a video circulating on social media appearing to show a school pupil being assaulted.” Townsend added that officers are working “with urgency to identify both the victim and those involved”.
Highlighting ongoing concerns around child safety and the impact of violent content being shared online, Townsend appealed directly to the public for assistance. “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,” she said. Anyone who may have witnessed the event or can provide relevant details is asked to call 101 or send a direct message to the police via social media, quoting log reference 444 of 14 May.
The incident has placed Lliswerry High School at the heart of the ongoing investigation. In a joint message to parents, head teacher Julia Fitzgerald and chair of governors Mark Howells confirmed that the school is fully cooperating with the police. “We are aware of a serious incident that took place after school today involving some of our learners,” they stated. The school administration has assured parents and guardians that ensuring student safety remains its utmost priority. “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,” the statement concluded.
As the police enquiry gets underway, both school officials and law enforcement have emphasised the importance of maintaining calm and refraining from online speculation. Social media, while it has played a role in rapidly alerting authorities and the public, can also contribute to misinformation and heightened tensions. The authorities have reiterated the need for reliable information over conjecture as they seek to support the victim, the school community, and the wider public.
The local authority has also been notified and is expected to work alongside school staff to ensure pupils who witnessed the incident, or are affected by the footage, receive appropriate support. Parents in the wider Newport area have expressed concerns about the safety of children travelling to and from school, with some calling for visible policing during peak school times.
This incident highlights not just immediate safety concerns, but also ongoing questions about the responsibilities of social media platforms in controlling disturbing content and the additional challenges such rapid circulation creates for police investigations.
As the investigation continues and the community awaits further updates from Gwent Police, residents are reminded to convey any pertinent information directly to the authorities and to support each other during this unsettling period. The safeguarding of children, both on school premises and in the broader community, remains a key focus for all agencies involved.