A 10-year-old boy needed medical attention after shards of glass were deliberately glued to a slide at a park in Ely, Cardiff, in a shocking act that has left his family wary of public play areas. The incident occurred on Thursday, July 30, between 2pm and 4pm at the playground on Mill Road, when the boy's clothing became caught on the glass as he slid down the slide. The story was first reported by Wales Online.
The boy's mother, who has asked to remain anonymous, said her son was visiting the park with his grandmother, his sister, and his cousin at the time. "He was at the park with his nan, sister and cousin playing and went on the slide unaware that glass had been glued to the slide," she told reporters. The child sustained a small cut to his body and his shorts were ripped. The mother confirmed that, physically, her son is "thankfully okay", but the emotional impact has been significant.
"My son made a comment to his nan stating he never wants to use that park again as he doesn't trust it," she said. The 10-year-old's sense of security has been shattered, his mother explained, adding that he is now "very wary" of returning to the place he previously enjoyed.
Mother speaks out against 'deliberate' attack
The mother expressed her outrage at the person who committed the act, describing it as a deliberate attempt to harm a child. "I'm upset that my child got hurt in a place that he should have been safe to play," she said. "[I'm] also angry at the fact someone did this knowing that it would hurt a child."
She emphasised that the park is a public space where children should feel safe, and she cannot understand why anyone would want to cause such harm. The mother also revealed that she has reported the incident to South Wales Police and has made efforts to contact Cardiff Council to ensure the playground is made safe again.
Police confirm investigation underway
South Wales Police has opened an investigation into the incident. A force spokesperson said: "South Wales Police was called at approximately 1.20pm [on] Friday, July 31, with a report that shards of glass had been glued to a slide in a park in Ely. It was reported that a child sustained a minor cut and damage to their clothing after using the slide. Enquiries into the incident are ongoing."
The spokesperson did not provide further details about potential suspects. The police have not released any additional information about whether witnesses have come forward, and no arrests have been reported at this time.
Warning sign placed on slide
Following the mother's report, a warning sign has been placed on the slide at the Mill Road park to alert other families to the danger. It is understood that the sign is the main precaution taken so far, with a full investigation still in its early stages. The playground remains open, but parents are advised to check the equipment before allowing their children to play.
Community shocked by act of vandalism
Residents in Ely have reacted with shock to the news, with many expressing concern that such a deliberate act of vandalism could take place in a family-friendly park. The playground on Mill Road is typical of many local play areas, featuring a slide, swings, and climbing equipment that are regularly used by children from the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Incidents of this nature are rare but are treated seriously by the authorities. Playgrounds are designed to be safe, and when they are sabotaged, it can have a lasting psychological effect on young users. In this case, the boy's trust in a familiar place has been broken, and his mother hopes that by speaking out, she can prevent something similar from happening to another child.
The mother's decision to go public underscores the importance of community vigilance. Parents are being urged to inspect play equipment for any signs of tampering before children use it. While it is impossible to guard against every act of malice, awareness is the first line of defence.
Local community groups have echoed the call for information, asking anyone who was in the area between 2pm and 4pm on Thursday to come forward. They say that even the smallest detail could make a difference in finding the person responsible.
As the police continue their enquiries, the warning sign on the slide serves as a stark reminder of the incident. Anyone with information about who glued the glass to the slide is being encouraged to contact South Wales Police with any relevant details.
