A father has died after a mass street fight that police believe was triggered by a violent feud between rival biker gangs.
Anthony Jones, who was known as Tony, was found face down in an alleyway after the disorder in Pontnewynydd, near Pontypool, south Wales, on August 6. He later died.
Two other people were taken to hospital following the violence, which is said to have involved about 20 people armed with machetes and other weapons.
Gwent Police have opened a murder investigation and have so far arrested ten men, aged between 31 and 73.
Officers said last night that they believe the “violent disorder” was linked to a rivalry between motorcycle clubs, the Hells Angels and the Vikings.
A Facebook account thought to belong to Mr Jones had shared posts referring to the Hells Angels and the club’s nickname, 81.
The two motorcycle organisations have a long history of violence and attacks involving members across Britain.
Residents said the confrontation happened at around 7.15pm last Thursday outside the British Legion Club in the village, with one group allegedly “tooling up” with machetes, axes and hammers.
Around 20 people across the two groups were said to have been involved as they clashed opposite a children’s playground.
Tony Jones, 56, was killed during a mass brawl in Pontnewynydd, near Pontypool, Wales last Thursday
Forensic officers examine the scene outside Pontnewynydd Sports and Social Club, which also serves as a British Legion club, following the mass brawl
Police have arrested ten men and are seeking to speak with Anthony Paul Jones, 40 (pictured)
Residents claimed some of the men had even taped machetes to their hands to stop them from losing their grip amid the bloody scenes.
Mr Jones, who lived some 30 miles away in Brecon according to social media, was found on the ground with a gaping head wound and was given CPR at the scene, witnesses said.
Armed police, a police helicopter and multiple ambulances rushed to the scene.
It is thought the violence erupted due to a turf war between the two clubs.
Ten men aged 31, 33, 34, 39, 40, 40, 45, 59, 61 and 73 have been arrested in connection with the brawl, and three have so far been bailed.
Officers have said they would like to speak to another man, 40-year-old Anthony Paul Jones, and have released an image to the public.
They are also trying to trace a blue Ford Transit van, with the registration MA23 FLC, which they believe was involved in the disorder.
Road closures have remained in place for days following the incident, with around 5,000 people thought to be cut off as a result.
Vikings and Hells Angels are not the only clubs to have a presence in south Wales – others include the Celtic Wolves and Valley Commandos.
Senior investigating officer Laura Bartley said police are in the early stages of a ‘complex and fast-moving murder investigation’.
Mr Jones (pictured) died after being found by residents of the small Welsh village with a large head wound
The brawl is thought to have been the result of a turf war between Hells Angels and Vikings motorcycle clubs (Pictured: Stock image, Hells Angels members in England)
2022: Club violence has spilled out across England – a man was stabbed and two other men were assaulted on the A24 at Findon
2022: A number of motorbikes were seen on theirs sides behind the police cordon on the A24
‘At this stage of our enquiries, we believe the violent disorder involved members of two rival outlaw motorcycle clubs, the Vikings and the Hells Angels,’ she continued.
‘Establishing the extent of involvement of those connected to the incident remains a key focus of the investigation.
‘We understand this incident will cause significant concern within the community. I would like to reassure the public that officers and staff are working around the clock to progress this investigation, identify everyone involved and bring those responsible before the courts. We are extremely grateful for the patience, support and co-operation shown by our communities while this work continues.
‘Our thoughts remain with the family of the victim, who continue to be supported by specially trained officers.’
Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting log reference 2600255536, by calling 101, visiting Gwent Police’s website or reaching out via social media.
Information can also be passed on anonymously through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
The longstanding rivalry between branches of Hells Angels and the Vikings has previously brought violence to all corners of Britain.
In October 2022, a mob of three Hells Angels members ambushed a group of Vikings on the A24 in Findon, West Sussex, in a revenge attack.
They left a man fighting for his life after stabbing him, stamping on him and hitting him with a baton.
Callum Shaw was jailed for 17 years while Barry Brown and Daniel Kent were jailed for three years, with a further 12 months for Kent for committing a burglary at a Vikings clubhouse.
Four years prior, seven men linked to Hells Angels and Red Devils clubs were jailed for an attack on members of the Vikings and Wargs Brotherhood clubs.
They were each sentenced to 14 years in prison.
