Police have launched an investigation into online abuse after villagers in Wales mistook a group of Scouts on a camping trip for an influx of illegal immigrants. Locals confused the Scouts' Scottish accents for asylum seekers after the party of more than 30 teenagers travelled to the campsite in Newbridge.

A video that circulated online claimed to show 'immigrants' being moved into the CRAI Scout Activity Park campsite and activity centre near Caerphilly in the South Wales valleys. Some comments made on the video – which was taken down after police were alerted – are now being investigated for racism offensives, police confirmed. Temporary Chief Superintendent Jason White, of Gwent Police, said: "We're aware of several posts responding to a social media video published earlier this week in relation to a visiting Scouts group to Newbridge.

"The video was removed but some of the posts contained inappropriate and offensive language and enquiries into the nature of the posts are ongoing."

False claims that Gwent Police were guarding the area also spread online.

Chief Superintendent White said he wanted to “correct” mistruths that had circulated on social media.

He said: "The group featured in the video were visiting from another part of the country to attend a frequently used Scout camp in Newbridge and many of the people in the video are children.

"The site is not used to house anyone on a permanent basis.

"The site is used by our dog handlers to train our police dogs when not used for visits and our officers are not guarding the location.

"So with that in mind, we're asking everyone to consider the tone and sentiment of their language but also for people to think twice about what they might read online and look for trusted voices within our communities."

In a statement, Scouts Cymru said: "CRAI Scout Activity Park is an inclusive and welcoming campsite and activity centre in the South Wales Valleys offering a range of outdoor activities for youth and community groups.

"We are aware of a racially aggravated incident targeting under-18s who were leaving after visiting our activity centre and are working closely with the police to address this situation.

"We are committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everyone on site and will continue to take immediate and robust action against any behaviour that threatens this."