Turkish Barber Shop Turf War Erupts in Violent Welsh High Street Brawl
Rival Turkish barber shop workers who engaged in a fierce "turf war" brawl on a busy Welsh high street, wielding scissors and spanners as weapons, have been spared immediate jail time. The violent confrontation, described by witnesses as a "very violent gang fight," unfolded on February 13 in Blackwood, Caerphilly, after staff from Kurds Barbers in Newbridge travelled to confront workers at Marmaris Turkish barbers.
Origins of the Feud and Escalation
The conflict reportedly stemmed from Marmaris barber Omed Pirot, 31, planning to open another shop in Newbridge, a move that was "not well received" by staff at Kurds Barbers. Prosecutor Nuhu Gobir detailed how the violence erupted on a busy Thursday afternoon, with three cars driven from Newbridge to Blackwood and parked on the high street before the factions met. "The two factions then meet up on the street and a large-scale fight erupts," Mr Gobir stated, noting that weapons including spanners and scissors were used.
Thirteen men were involved in the shocking brawl, which saw four hospitalised, including one treated for stab wounds requiring stitches. Police confirmed that none of the injuries were life-threatening or life-changing. Officers recovered several pairs of scissors and other makeshift weapons from the scene, and footage of the fight was shared widely on social media.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
At Cardiff Crown Court, Judge Daniel Williams condemned the "disgraceful scene of public violence" that took place in the middle of the high street, where members of the public, including children, were present. "Whatever its origin, there was no justification on either side for what happened," he emphasised.
Omed Pirot and Shahab Husseini, 25, denied violent disorder and affray but were found guilty after a three-day trial. They received 18-month suspended sentences, 240 hours of unpaid work, and £600 costs. Five other defendants—Bryar Muradi, 28, Alan Karimi, 31, Adnan Mohamad, 30, Bave Hamed, 31, and Krmani Sadiq, 30—admitted affray and were given 15-month suspended sentences, 200 hours of unpaid work, and £400 costs. Sardam Ebrahimi, 28, was cleared of the same offences.
Impact on the Community and Police Response
The brawl caused significant alarm among local residents and businesses. Women having their hair done in a neighbouring salon screamed as the men fought against their shop window, and an off-duty detective, having her hair washed at the Absolutely Fabulous salon, instructed hairdressers to lock the doors and dial 999. Gwent Police responded to reports of violent disorder at around 2:45 pm in Blackwood and 2:55 pm in Newbridge, investigating the incidents thoroughly.
This case highlights the dangers of public disturbances and the legal consequences for those involved, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of resolving disputes peacefully in community settings.
