Police are investigating after children visiting a Scouts camp were filmed and subjected to “offensive” comments on social media amid unfounded speculation about the site being used to house immigrants.
The video has since been deleted but some posts shared online contained “mistruths” and “inappropriate and offensive language”, according to Gwent Police.
It is understood the group of under 18s had been staying at the CRAI Scout Activity Park in Newbridge, Caerphilly, last week with a charitable organisation when they were recorded as they waited to leave.
Newbridge councillor Adrian Hussey said he was made aware the video suggested the visiting group were “illegal immigrants being housed by the Scouts”.
He added he did not see the post himself.
Gwent Police Ch Supt 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.
