A COMMUNITY leader in Pill has called for “the full weight of the law” to be used against those responsible for a spate of dangerous incidents in the area.

On Sunday, October 16, fireworks were thrown at an ambulance crew in Commercial Road while they were answering a 999 call.

Last week riot police had to be called to the area during a disturbance and at 4.10pm on Monday, October 24 a firework was left under a car parked at the Millennium Centre in Courtybella Terrace.

Newport City Council ward member Cllr Omar Ali called those behind the problems “complete numpties”.

“It’s ridiculous,” he said. “I witnessed the ambulance attack and felt really sorry for the paramedics. They’re out there just trying to save someone’s life and they get this sort of treatment.”

The Labour councillor added he had seen problems in the area “building and building” for some time.

“There have been some concerns for a while,” he said. “This time of year it is always a nightmare with fireworks.

“But there’s no excuse for this sort of behaviour.”

He also called on justice system to “throw the full weight of the law” at the culprits.

“I just hope the courts will support the police in this,” he said. “There’s more children here than in anywhere else in the city. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.”

But he added he was optimistic about the fortunes of the area as a whole.

“It’s a really vibrant and busy ward with a lot of new businesses and people doing something with their lives,” he said.

“This sends out the wrong signal.”

Gwent Police Superintendent Glyn Fernquest said: “Our stance is simple, anyone acting in this way will be dealt with robustly.

“We will find you and we will arrest you.”

Newport East AM John Griffiths, who grew up in Pill, called on people living in the community to help police with investigations.

“There’s a great community spirit in Pill and I think that is a good basis for policing,” he said.

“The community is the eyes and ears of the police.”

He added: “I want to see as good a quality of life for people who live there as possible and I hope something will be done as soon as possible.”

Residents of Pill will be able to discuss their concerns and other issues affecting the area with their ward members at a meeting at the Newport Integrated Learning Centre on Commercial Road from 1pm on Tuesday, November 1.

Police have so far charged seven people in connection with the October 20 incident. No one has been arrested in connection with the other two incidents.

Any information regarding any of the three incidents can be reported to police on 101, quoting log 533 of October 16 for the first incident, 524 of October 20 for the second and 333 of October 24 for the third.

Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.