A JCB crashed into the front of a Cardiff takeaway in the early hours of Monday morning, causing considerable damage to the building and triggering a police investigation.
The incident occurred at approximately 1.45am on Countisbury Avenue in Llanrumney, where the vehicle was driven into the premises of Square Pizza. The JCB had reportedly been stolen from a farm in St Mellons prior to being driven into the takeaway.
In a statement released following the incident, a spokesperson for the business said: “We are aware of the damage caused to our store overnight.
“Our focus now is supporting our staff, cooperating with any relevant authorities where required, and moving forward as a business. Thank you to those who have reached out respectfully and allowed the proper process to take place.”
Residents awoke to scenes of major damage to the premises on Monday morning as officers attended the scene, reports WalesOnline.
One local resident, who asked not to be named, described what she had heard about the aftermath. “My husband rang me around seven o’clock this morning on the way to work,” she said.
“He was turning down Bridgewater Road when he saw police vehicles around the area. He saw that the JCB had gone into the pizza shop – it was a terrible mess.
“No other businesses on the street were affected but you never know what could have happened – it could have disturbed the gas and it would have lit up – so glad no one is hurt.
“I am so sorry for the owners, there is nothing worse than coming into that. You can see that it’s a massive job. There is chipboard boarding up the place so no one can come in or out. Police were very quick to the situation and have done a very good job.”
A spokesperson for South Wales Police confirmed that officers were called to the scene in the early hours of the morning. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
“At around 1.45am this morning (Monday, June 8) South Wales Police responded to a report that a JCB had been driven into a business premises on Countisbury Avenue, Llanrumney,” they said.
“The JCB has been reported stolen from a farm in St Mellons and an investigation is ongoing.”
Local inspector Meg Butler confirmed that officers are continuing to look into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
She added: “Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances and motive. Understandably there is a lot of speculation within the community about this incident.
“We would ask anyone with information, no matter how small it might seem, to please contact us directly or Crimestoppers anonymously by one of the following means quoting 260017853.”
Anyone with information is urged to get in touch with South Wales Police via 101, online, or through Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox