Cardiff city center ’stay away’ warning after bus attack and street mobs

15 February 2025 , 14:12

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Cardiff city center ’stay away’ warning after bus attack and street mobs

A large mob was captured on video clashing with police on foot and on horseback around Cardiff city centre - following reports of missiles being thrown at the pub and a bus being attacked.

Cardiff city centre has erupted in chaos this afternoon as a violent mob has taken to the streets - with reports of a bus being attacked and members of the public warned to "stay away".

Video footage captured a group of around 100 people launching missiles at a pub, while police were seen trying separate a large group of rival football fans from Cardiff supporters outside a Prince of Wales pub on St Mary’s Street. Witnesses said they were warned to keep away as the city is currently "full of riots", WalesOnline reports.

One said: "Football fans are hitting our bus as they go past, a masked one just booted the door of the bus that we are on. He’s cracked the glass. Bus driver has some sort of radio telling all buses to avoid town centre."

South Wales Police said they are "aware of some incidents of disorder that have taken place in Cardiff city centre ahead of today’s Championship match between Cardiff City and Bristol City at Cardiff City Stadium. Officers have been very busy in ensuring supporters get to the stadium as safely as possible.

"A derby fixture such as this always comes with a highly charged atmosphere. Unfortunately there will always a be a minority that will seek to engage in disorder, but officers are responding quickly to stop any such incidents. A policing operation is in place to ensure both sets of supporters can leave the stadium safely following the match."

Bristol outside prince of wales #Cardiff #BristolCity pic.twitter.com/5kq0yhnf1z

— flav (@JF___9) February 15, 2025

Another witness, Matt Thomas, was on a bus wth his young son when a "swarm" of football fans passed them. He said: "I would say there were around 100 of them and police with truncheons were trying to guide them down Westgate Street. One of them hit the door and the glass smashed. We were quite shaken up."

The rowdy mob descended on the city centre ahead of a football game being hosted by Cardiff City against rivals Bristol City in the 104th Severnside Derby today. South Wales Police said officers have a plan in place to make sure both sets of football fans can leave the stadium safely once the match comes to an end.

Elizabeth Baker

Technology & Business Editor