A GROUP of youths began a huge fight which saw furniture hurled around amid ugly scenes at Barry Island on the Bank Holiday.

Footage of the incident has been viewed thousands of times online, with those involved branded “selfish” by concerned residents and traders.

The fight broke out in the Paget Road and promenade area at around 7.20pm on Bank Holiday Monday, with an eyewitness capturing the chaos.

Workers tried to intervene and pacify those involved, with Marco Zeraschi, of Marco’s café, saying his chairs had been grabbed by the youths.

“Lots of families were enjoying themselves until these selfish juveniles arrived,” he added.

“Everything was lovely until then. I hope their parents are proud.”

Mr Zeraschi also called the incident a “one-off” though, and stressed the area remained a “family-friendly” destination.

An eyewitness, who asked not to be named, captured the scene when a group of youths began fighting and throwing furniture and posted it on Facebook and YouTube.

Vale council director of environment and housing Miles Punter said: “The council is aware of this matter, which involved outbreaks of disorder and the consumption of alcohol in an area where this is not permitted.

“Clearly such behaviour is completely unacceptable.

“We will be working with the police to investigate this incident with the aim ensuring such unpleasant scenes will not be repeated.”

A South Wales Police spokeswoman, confirming the incident, said: “South Wales Police is investigating a disturbance involving a large group of youths near to Smugglers Cove mini golf on Barry Island Promenade, shortly before 7.20pm last night, Monday, April 22.

Local policing inspector for Barry Scott Lloyd said: “Barry Island is a place for all the family and this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated. Enquiries are ongoing into this incident. We continue to carry out high-visibility patrols on the island in particular during the busy holiday periods. I understand the concerns of local traders and the community and would like to reassure them that we are working closely with partners to clamp down on anyone intent on causing trouble in the area.”

Insp Lloyd added: “We work closely with our partners in Safer Vale, Trading Standards, licensing and British Transport Police to ensure Barry island maintains its appeal as a family destination. Part of this is enforcing the ‘No Alcohol Zone’ on the Island and confiscating any alcohol which is being consumed in the area and dealing swiftly and effectively with any anti-social behaviour.”

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting reference 1900144056 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.