A GWENT councillor was arrested, spent a night in a cell and was charged after he intervened in an argument between a concerned resident and a gang of youths.

Penmaen ward Councillor Allan Pritchard, 65, was arrested following an incident in Oakdale at 9pm on Saturday night, in which a resident was arguing with a gang.

The resident, a 60-year-old local man, had allegedly confronted a group of approximately eight 15-18-year-old youths.

It is believed that a scuffle broke out after claims that they had been picking on a female member of his family.

More than 50 residents gathered and watched while they waited for officers to arrive.

In the meantime an onlooker contacted Caerphilly county councillor Allan Pritchard to come and calm down the situation.

Plaid Cymru member Mr Pritchard, who is the shadow deputy leader of Caerphilly council, said when he arrived, police were already on the scene and had arrested the resident for threatening behaviour.

Councillor Pritchard says he stepped in to try and explain the situation to officers but officers arrested him for obstructing a police officer in the execution of his duty.

"He told me to step back, which I did," said Mr Pritchard, 65.

"But then they wouldn't listen to what I was trying to tell them so they arrested me.

"They bundled me and the other resident into the police van and took us away."

The pair spent the night behind bars at Ystrad Mynach Police Station and the following morning officers cautioned the resident for making threats, Councillor Pritchard said.

"They tried to caution me too, but I wouldn't accept it because accepting a caution is an admission of guilt.

"Instead they said they would have to charge me, so they did."

Councillor Pritchard was charged with obstruction and was bailed to appear at Caerphilly Magistrates Court on August 21.

Councillor Pritchard is enraged by the incident.

"I am an advocate for this community, I was voted in to represent the people," he explained.

"Whenever there are any problems people come and get me, that's what I do.

"These youths are well-known in the community. I have spoken to them and even tried to reason with them in the past but I get nowhere.

"It's been mob rule up here for almost two years and nothing is being done about it."

Gwent Police have confirmed that a 60-year-old man was cautioned following an incident in Oakdale on Saturday night and a 65-year-old man was charged with obstruction.

Councillor Pritchard has been a councillor in Oakdale since 1979.

He is also chairman of governors at Rhiw Syr Dafydd Primary School, Oakdale and is a governor at Oakdale Comprehensive School.

Police appeal for information Superintendent Colin Jones, Blackwood said: "The incident referred to is still under investigation and in the coming days we will be making contact with local residents and potential witnesses to enable us to have a better understanding of the cause of the incident.

"In addition, we will be speaking to the local community representatives and to local residents with regards to some of the issues raised on the community website.

We would encourage local residents to report concerns and any incidents that occur to Gwent Police and we will ensure that those matters are investigated appropriately.

"If anyone has any information about the incident that occurred at approx 8.45pm Saturday, August 4 in Oakdale Square, Blackwood we would ask them to contact Gwent Police on 01633 838111."