A murder investigation has been opened after Anthony "Tony" Jones, 56, from Brecon, died from injuries sustained during an outbreak of violent disorder in Pontnewynydd, near Pontypool, on Thursday 6 August 2026. Gwent Police confirmed that officers are now appealing to trace a 40-year-old man, Anthony Paul Jones of Blaenavon, Torfaen, who they believe can assist the inquiry. According to a Welsh broadcaster's report, the case has now escalated from a violent disorder investigation into a full murder inquiry following Jones's death.
Firearms officers from Gwent Police were sent to the scene at around 19:15 BST after reports of disorder broke out. The original force statement placed the incident on Mill Street, though a separate broadcaster account refers to it as Mill Road; both names appear to describe the same location in Pontnewynydd.
Ten men, aged 31, 33, 34, 39, 40, 40, 45, 59, 61 and 73, were initially arrested in connection with the disorder, and three were later released on bail. Gwent Police have separately said that seven men, aged 31, 39, 40, 45, 59, 61 and 71, remain in custody, according to further reporting on the case. Our earlier coverage of the initial arrests following the Pontypool disorder noted that two men were left in critical condition and that road closures remained in place while enquiries began.
What are police doing to identify those involved?
Officers are trying to establish the movements of everyone connected to the incident both before and after it occurred, according to the broadcaster's report cited above. They are also searching for a blue Ford Transit van reportedly involved in the disorder, which is missing its front lower nearside panel.
Detectives have asked drivers who travelled along Hospital Road, Mill Road and nearby streets between 6pm and 9pm on Thursday 6 August 2026 to check any dashcam footage for material relevant to the investigation. A separate appeal has narrowed that window further, requesting CCTV and dashcam footage specifically from 7:00pm to 7:30pm BST.
How is Jones's family being supported?
Gwent Police said Jones's family are being supported by specialist officers as the investigation continues. Detective Superintendent Laura Bartley acknowledged the impact of the case on local residents.
Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the victim.
She added that she understood the incident would cause concern within the community but sought to reassure people that enquiries were ongoing without pause.
What happens next in the investigation?
Police are urging anyone with information, or with CCTV or dashcam footage from the evening of 6 August 2026, to come forward as the murder investigation progresses. Officers say they are continuing to work around the clock to trace everyone involved in the disorder and to build a fuller picture of events leading up to Jones's death.
Key Facts
- Anthony "Tony" Jones, 56, of Brecon, died after violent disorder in Pontnewynydd, near Pontypool, on Thursday 6 August 2026.
- Gwent Police firearms officers were called to the scene at around 19:15 BST.
- Ten men aged 31 to 73 were arrested; three were released on bail, while seven reportedly remain in custody.
- Police are appealing to speak with Anthony Paul Jones, 40, of Blaenavon, and are searching for a damaged blue Ford Transit van.
- A murder investigation has now been launched, with detectives seeking dashcam and CCTV footage from the evening of the incident.
