Police link Welsh valleys death to biker gang rivalry

A man was killed in what is believed to have been a violent brawl between rival motorcycle gangs in the south Wales valleys, police have said.Anthony “Tony” Jones, 56, of Brecon, died of his injuries in hospital after the violence in Pontnewynydd, near Pontypool, last Thursday evening, which reportedly involved knives and hammers.Firearms officers, a police helicopter and ambulances were called to the scene of the fight, in which at least a dozen men were involved. Three people were taken to hospital, at least one with critical injuries.Ten men aged between 31 and 73 were arrested, seven of whom are still in custody. On Monday, the police appealed for Anthony Paul Jones, 40, from Blaenavon, Torfaen, to come forward as part of the investigation, and said officers are also looking for a blue Ford Transit van with the registration plate MA23 FLC.Det Supt Laura Bartley, of Gwent police, the senior investigating officer, said in an update on Tuesday night that investigators believed members of two rival biker gangs, the Vikings and the Hells Angels, were involved in the incident.She said: “We remain in the early stages of this complex and fast-moving murder investigation. Our investigation is progressing at pace and multiple arrests have been made.“Detectives are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding Thursday’s incident, including the actions and movements of those involved before, during and after the disorder.“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.”A police cordon remains outside the British Legion Club in Pontnewynydd, where the brawl took place, for forensic work. Torfaen council said on Tuesday that nearby Hospital Road could remain closed until into the weekend.Both the Vikings and the Hells Angels motorcycle clubs originated in the US but have chapters around the UK. While most motorcycle enthusiast groups in this country are strictly hobbyists, a small fraction self-identifying as “outlaw” or “one per cent” groups have been known to dabble in criminal activity such as drug and weapons trafficking.In June, three Hells Angels bikers from Watford were jailed for attacking members of the Vikings in October 2022. Another three Hells Angels from the Greater Manchester area were handed jail time in March for firearms and drugs possession.