Campers abused as Welsh villagers mistake them for migrants
Locals near the CRAI Scout Activity Park in Newbridge are said to have misidentified the charity group, which was staying at the campsite, for migrants.
The party of more than 30 teenagers and young children had travelled from across the UK, including Scotland, to Wales for a summer camping trip. A video circulated on Facebook falsely claimed that Gwent police had been guarding the site.
The video of the group being collected by coach has since been deleted. Police confirmed they were investigating the comments made on the video for racism offences.
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Temporary Chief Superintendent Jason White said Gwent police were making inquiries about posts containing 'inappropriate and offensive language' and wanted to correct 'mistruths' circulating on social media.
'The group featured in the video were visiting from another part of the country to attend a frequently used Scout camp in Newbridge and many of the people in the video are children,' he said. 'The site is not used to house anyone on a permanent basis. The site is used by our dog handlers to train our police dogs when not used for visits and our officers are not guarding the location.
'So, with that in mind, we're asking everyone to consider the tone and sentiment of their language but also for people to think twice about what they might read online and look for trusted voices within our communities.'
Adrian Hussey, a councillor for Newbridge, said the video was posted online by someone outside of the ward. 'I'm disgusted that people can be so hateful,' he said. 'We don't need that type of division.'
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ScoutsCymru described the venue as 'an inclusive and welcoming campsite and activity centre' with a range of activities for youth and community groups.
'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 South Wales police to address this situation,' a spokesman said, adding: 'We are committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everyone on site and will continue to take immediate and robust action against any behaviour that threatens this.'
The CRAI Scout Activity Park is a campsite and activity centre near Caerphilly in the south Wales valleys. 'We can offer camping, hammocking and indoor accommodation. Buildings on site include The Lodge with conference room, kitchen, dormitories and toilet with shower,' its website says.
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