Volunteers threatened by masked thug while delivering leaflets

The incident, which is being investigated by Gwent Police, involved volunteers from Hope Not Hate, who were approached by an “unknown male” while distributing leaflets in the Pontypool area on Saturday, April 22.

Volunteers state the man “threatened violence” unless they handed over their remaining flyers and took two bags containing leaflets in Clarence Place.

Hope Not Hate organiser, Tom Godwin, said: “It was a terrifying experience. I wasn’t expecting this kind of violence in Pontypool”.

Volunteer, Rachel Bevan, was delivering letters with another volunteer in Pontypool when she got the message about the incident.

“We were shocked and apprehensive about walking back through the town centre,” she said.

“You don’t hear of things like that happening in broad daylight around here which makes me think they were likely targeted because of the leaflets.”

An official statement from Hope Not Hate said the incident represented “extreme harassment and intimidation” to volunteers who were “challenging hate in Pontypool”.

The statement added: “Tom, community organiser, and Thomas, a volunteer, were attacked after delivering 700 letters to local residents along with other members of the local Hope Not Hate group.

“The masked thug threatened violence unless they handed over their remaining letters.”

A Gwent Police spokeswoman confirmed they received reports of a robbery in Clarence Place at around 1.30pm on Saturday.

She said: “Threats were made to two men by an unknown males who had what has reported to be metal bar.

“Neither of the victims were injured but were understandably left shaken. The offender also made off with two bags containing leaflets.”

She added that “enquiries are ongoing”.

The man is described as in his twenties with a local accent, 5ft 10in in height, with short hair and wearing a light grey tracksuit.

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting log 265 22/04/17.