Schoolboy, 13, and man in custody after 'student held as he was attacked by pack' - as police probe 'separate assault'
A teenager and a man have been arrested just hours after a distressing video showing a schoolboy being assaulted by a 'pack' of individuals began circulating online.
The sickening incident, which was caught on camera, showed a man allegedly restraining a young boy as other youngsters lined up to hit him, in Newport, South Wales.
Gwent Police confirmed this afternoon that a 13-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, while a 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of affray and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The pair, who are both from Cwmbran, remain in custody tonight.
Police continue to investigate the alleged assault which happened in broad daylight not far from Lliswerry High School on Wednesday afternoon - as officers also probe a second reported incident involving a different child being assaulted earlier in the day.
Horrifying footage of the incident, which has been seen by MailOnline, shows a young boy looking anxious as he is approached by a man and two other boys at a location police believe to be a footbridge over Spytty Road, Lliswerry.
The man can then be seen grabbing on to the youngster's shoulder and appears to speak to the two boys, before nodding towards the victim.
In that moment, the boys can be seen swinging punches at the boy, as a third and fourth child joins in.
The victim, clearly distressed, can be seen attempting to hit back while being held still by the adult male. A second man then emerges and appears to kick the young boy.
Eventually the adult calls off the boys and lets the victim go, as the distressing video ends.
Gwent Police Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Townsend said officers are also investigating a second reported incident involving a different child being assaulted earlier in the day.
She urged people to consider their 'tone and language' and not to speculate or identify anyone thought to be involved in comments on social media.
ACC Townsend added: 'We have identified the young person in the video, and officers continue to support him as our enquiries continue.
'We now believe the incident took place between 3.10pm to 3.20pm, on a footbridge over Spytty Road, Lliswerry.
'Last night, officers arrested two people in connection with the investigation.
'We're also continuing to liaise with staff at nearby Lliswerry High School in connection with enquiries regarding a separate assault that reportedly took place earlier in the day.
'I would like to thank the community for the information they've given us up to now.
'We understand the concern that incidents of this nature can cause, and that residents will want to express these concerns.
'But we must also stress that everyone needs to consider the tone and language they use when posting on social media.
'We would encourage people not to speculate or identify anyone thought to be involved as this is now a live investigation, and such comments can have an impact on our ability to bring anyone found to have committed a criminal offence to justice.'
In a statement from the school issued on Wednesday, headteacher Julia Fitzgerald said: 'We are aware of a serious incident that took place after school today involving our learners.
'Rest assured that it has been reported to the police and we will ensure a full investigation is carried out in cooperation with police and local authority.'
Chair of governors councillor Mark Howells told South Wales Argus: 'We are liaising with the police, and the local authorities are informed.
'I've got children in the school as well so it's naturally concerning. My role as chair of governors will be to ensure that the school supports the authorities to deal with it swiftly and robustly.'
Anyone with information is urged to call 101 or message on social media, quoting log log 2500152173, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online.
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