False Facebook video triggered wave of offensive online comments aimed at children
A GROUP of children and teenagers attending a Scout summer camp in Newbridge were subjected to online racist abuse earlier this month, after a Facebook video falsely claimed they were asylum seekers being escorted into the area under police guard.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, August 5, has drawn strong condemnation from police, Scout leaders, and members of the public. The video in question showed the young people arriving at CRAI Scout Activity Park for a planned residential trip — not, as alleged online, an “influx of illegal immigrants.”
Police issue clarification
Gwent Police acted quickly to set the record straight, confirming that the site is not used to accommodate asylum seekers and that officers were not present in any security capacity. The group, made up of young people from across the UK including Scotland, were attending a scheduled Scout camp as part of a long-standing programme.
Temporary Chief Superintendent Jason White said: “We ask the public to consider the tone and sentiment of the language they use online and to avoid sharing unverified claims. The video has led to inappropriate and offensive speculation, much of which we are now reviewing.”
Police have confirmed they are investigating whether any offences were committed in the wave of racist and offensive comments that followed the video’s circulation.
Scout leaders condemn abuse
ScoutsCymru described the comments as “racially aggravated,” stating that several of the young people targeted were children of colour.
A spokesperson said: “This was a group of children attending an organised camp. To have them targeted in this way, based solely on appearance or accent, is deeply disturbing. We are working with the police and taking robust action.”
The CRAI Scout Activity Park, near Cwmcarn, continues to host youth groups and confirmed that all future bookings will proceed as planned.
Community response divided
Reactions from Newbridge residents have been mixed. Some expressed shame at the speed with which the false rumours spread.
One local resident told Herald.Wales: “It was obvious they were Scouts. The people jumping to conclusions didn’t even stop to ask. To direct that kind of language at children is appalling. They deserved better from our community.”
Others online defended the original video, saying it was “reasonable to ask questions” in the current political climate. However, many of the most offensive comments have since been deleted or removed by moderators.
Far-right influence questioned
An opinion piece by journalist Penny Lane, published last week, linked the Newbridge incident to a broader rise in anti-migrant sentiment. The article argued that rhetoric from political movements such as Reform UK, The Voice of Wales, and Patriotic Alternative has helped create an atmosphere where misinformation and racial suspicion can flourish.
There is no evidence that any of those groups were involved in sharing or promoting the video. Reform UK and The Voice of Wales have previously denied promoting racism, saying they support “controlled immigration” and “freedom of speech.” Neither has commented on the Newbridge incident.
Call for calm and accuracy
Gwent Police said they are continuing to monitor social media for abusive content and urged residents to pause before posting or sharing unverified information.
Local councillor Adrian Hussey said: “This is a deeply regrettable episode. It shows what can happen when people act on rumour instead of fact. Let’s be clear — this was a group of children at a Scout camp. They deserved to be welcomed, not abused.”
Police Chief Superintendant Jason White said: “The group featured in the video were visiting from another part of the country to attend a frequently used Scout camp in Newbridge and many of the people in the video are children.
“The site is not used to house anyone on a permanent basis. The site is used by our dog handlers to train our police dogs when not used for visits and our officers are not guarding the location.”
In a statement, Scouts Cymru said: “CRAI Scout Activity Park is an inclusive and welcoming campsite and activity centre in the south Wales valleys offering a range of outdoor activities for youth and community groups.
“We are aware of a racially aggravated incident targeting under-18s who were leaving after visiting our activity centre.”
Scouts Cymru said they were working closely with the police “to address this situation”.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everyone on site and will continue to take immediate and robust action against any behaviour that threatens this,” they said.
Gwent Police said it wanted to remind people to “think twice about what they might read online and look for trusted voices within our communities”.
It has asked anyone with concerns to get in touch on 101, on social media or to make a report on the force’s website.
