Three arrests over schoolboy assault video

Three people have been arrested after a Lliswerry High School pupil was assaulted in Newport

A man and two boys have been arrested after a video was uploaded to social media showing a schoolboy being assaulted in Newport.

Gwent Police said it was made aware of the video, which showed a Lliswerry High School pupil being assaulted by a group of children as he was held by a man between 15:10 and 15:20 BST on Wednesday, on a footbridge over Spytty Road, Lliswerry.

A 30-year-old man from Cwmbran was arrested on suspicion of affray and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, while a 13-year-old boy from Cwmbran was arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

An 11-year-old boy from Newport was later arrested on suspicion of common assault and affray.

The school said it was aware of the "serious incident", and police said the young person identified in the video was receiving support.

"We understand the concern that incidents of this nature can cause, and that residents will want to express these concerns," said Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Townsend.

"But we must also stress that everyone needs to consider the tone and language they use when posting on social media."

She urged people not to speculate or identify those involved while investigations continue.

The school said it would ensure a full investigation was carried out in cooperation with the police and Newport council, which confirmed it was aware of an assault which took place near the school.

The council added the alleged victim returned to school on Thursday, and said it was in close contact with the school.

Gwent Police also confirmed officers were aware of a separate allegation of assault involving a different child from earlier in the day and that investigation was also ongoing.

It added: "We understand the worry and concern that incidents of this nature can cause, and would like to thank the community for the information they've given us up to now."