Police launched a search for six men after a liquid was thrown at four people inside Las Iguanas restaurant in Cardiff’s Mermaid Quay on the evening of 13 November. The incident, which South Wales Police described as a “targeted attack”, is believed to have followed an earlier argument between the two groups. Emergency services, including South Wales Police and the fire service, were called to the scene at around 7pm on 13 November. The area was cordoned off, and members of the public were advised to avoid Mermaid Quay while investigations took place. Las Iguanas remained closed on Thursday morning as inquiries continued. A reporter from Wales Online who attended the scene described a significant emergency response. “People could walk through, but there was a cordon around the Las Iguanas restaurant with around a dozen fire service personnel present, along with police and Mermaid Quay security,” they reported.
Detective Inspector Phil Marchant said: “Four men were sitting in the restaurant when two other men ran into the restaurant and threw a substance at them. Items of furniture were also picked up and thrown. Both the four male victims and the two male suspects then ran out of the restaurant. “We acknowledge the considerable public concern following this incident; however, no injuries have been reported and at this time the liquid is not believed to have been harmful”.
It is understood that the two parties had previously had an altercation in another part of Mermaid Quay around 6:15pm that evening and therefore believe this to be a targeted attack. Enquiries are ongoing to identify and locate all six men. Police asked anyone in Las Iguanas or near the restaurant in Tacoma Square between 6:15pm and 8:30 PM to come forward with information.
A spokesperson for Mermaid Quay confirmed the area is being investigated. “This incident has now ended and is under active investigation. Due to this, we are unable to comment further”, they said. As the investigation continued, authorities reassured the public that the situation was being handled and urged witnesses to assist in identifying those responsible.