Gwent Police asked parents to consider contacting ‘the authorities’ if their children returned home smelling of smoke
10:51, 05 Apr 2026Updated 11:02, 05 Apr 2026
Gwent Police has appealed for anyone with information about the incident in Blaenavon to come forward(Image: Gwent Police)
Police are investigating an arson attack at newly installed tennis and basketball courts in a Welsh town. Officers and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene of a “deliberate” fire at the sports facilities in Blaenavon on the evening of Thursday, April 2.
Gwent Police said the arson attack has caused “distress” within the community, adding that it is not just a case of “kids being kids”.
“It is criminal damage, and it has a real and lasting impact on the wider community who rely on and take pride in these amenities,” the force said.
Torfaen Council announced plans to refurbish disused tennis courts in Blaenavon in late 2024, with the project receiving around £115,000 worth of funding. Make sure you never miss Wales’ biggest updates by getting our daily newsletter
The force is appealing for anyone with information about the incident to come forward and has asked parents and guardians to be vigilant.
A post from officers said: “Officers from The Community Action Team in Gwent Police and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service attended an incident in Blaenavon on Thursday evening following a deliberate fire at the newly installed tennis and basketball courts.
“This incident has caused understandable distress within the community. Significant public funds were invested to provide these facilities for local residents, particularly young people, and this act of vandalism undermines those efforts.
“This is not a case of ‘kids being kids’.
“Parents and guardians are asked to be vigilant. If your child or teenager has returned home this evening smelling of smoke or behaving unusually, please have a conversation with them and consider contacting the relevant authorities.
“In addition, a set of house keys were located in close proximity to the fire and we have them in our possession should the owner wish to receive them back, please contact us with your details.
“If you have any relevant information or evidence in regards to this matter, please contact Gwent Police on 101 or via the Gwent Police Facebook page. Police reference: 2600101691.”
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