A fatal street brawl in south Wales, believed to be a turf war between rival biker gangs Hells Angels and the Vikings, has resulted in the death of a 56-year-old man and numerous arrests. The incident, which occurred on August 6 in Pontnewynydd, near Pontypool, involved approximately 20 individuals armed with machetes and other weapons.
Police have arrested 25 men, aged between 18 and 73, in connection with the violent disorder. A 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a blue Ford Transit van, believed to be connected to the incident, was located. Gwent Police stated that the brawl was likely a result of ongoing rivalry between the Hells Angels and Vikings motorcycle clubs.
The deceased, identified as Anthony Jones, known as Tony, was found in an alleyway after the fight. His Facebook profile contained references to the Hells Angels, including the nickname "81" and the tattoo "AFFA" (Angels Forever, Forever Angels).
This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence among organized biker groups in the UK. The Hells Angels and the Vikings have a documented history of conflict, with numerous clashes reported across Britain in recent years. In October 2022, Hells Angels members attacked Vikings on the A24 in West Sussex, resulting in serious injuries. Four years prior, seven men linked to Hells Angels and Red Devils clubs were jailed for an attack on Vikings and Wargs Brotherhood members. In May 2022, David Crawford, a member of the Red Devils club affiliated with Hells Angels, was killed when he was struck and dragged by a van driven by members of the rival Bandidos club in Plymouth.
Further incidents highlight the pervasive nature of this violence. In 2024, a pipe bomb was planted under a van in Scotland by Daniel Laponder during a feud between breakaway biker factions. Last year, a street brawl between the Satan's Slaves and Mongols clubs in Sheffield involved weapons such as baseball bats. Historically, feuds have also occurred between Hells Angels chapters and other groups like the Road Tramps and Cycle Ramps.
In November 2018, seven prospective Hells Angels members were jailed for a "turf war" attack on a Vikings and Wargs Brotherhood meeting in Surrey, which left six people stabbed and one assaulted. More recently, in December of last year, 23-year-old Alfonso Sibley was fatally stabbed in Ewell, Surrey, in what locals described as a "targeted execution" by individuals on motorbikes.
Law enforcement officials have emphasized their commitment to investigating the incident and bringing those responsible to justice. Senior investigating officer Laura Bartley stated that a significant number of arrests have been made and that the investigation is ongoing to identify all individuals connected to the disorder. The family of Anthony Jones issued a statement describing him as a "much-loved husband and devoted dad" and asked for privacy as they grieve.
The Hells Angels report a global membership exceeding 6,000 across nearly 60 nations, with 16 regional chapters in Britain. The Vikings club, formed in 1969 as the Hells Angels Vikings, later became known as the Vikings in 1975. An unnamed member of a biker club told the Daily Mail that a "fragile truce" had existed between warring UK biker gangs, suggesting that serious violence could erupt quickly.