Father, 56, was killed in street brawl sparked by deadly turf war between rival biker gangs that has seen horrific violence across Britain
A father of grandfather age died after a mass street brawl in Pontnewynydd, near Pontypool in south Wales, which police believe was sparked by a violent turf war between rival motorcycle gangs. Anthony "Tony" Jones, 56, was found with a serious head wound after roughly 20 people, some armed with machetes, axes and hammers, clashed near a children's playground outside a British Legion club on 6 August. His death has prompted a murder investigation by Gwent Police, who say the disorder likely involved members of two rival outlaw motorcycle clubs, the Hells Angels and the Vikings, groups with a long history of violent rivalry across Britain.
Ten men aged between 31 and 73 have been arrested in connection with the incident, with three since released on bail, while police are also seeking to speak to a further man, 40-year-old Anthony Paul Jones, and trying to trace a blue Ford Transit van linked to the disorder. Social media images suggest the victim had ties to the Hells Angels, including a tattoo widely associated with the club. Two other people were hospitalised in the violence, and road closures left around 5,000 residents cut off for several days afterwards. Senior investigating officer Laura Bartley described the inquiry as "complex and fast-moving," noting the incident had caused significant concern in the local community.
- Father, 56, killed in mass brawl linked to biker gang turf war in Wales
- Ten men arrested; police believe Hells Angels and Vikings clubs involved
- Machetes and axes used; area cordoned off for days afterwards