Police postpone open day after Manchester attack

The North Wales Police Open day, planned for Saturday, June 3, has been postponed until September so that officers can continue to provide an increased presence across the region and support the counter terrorism effort in other parts of the country.

Chief Constable Mark Polin said: “Since the truly horrific attack in Manchester, and the raising of the national threat level to critical, members of the public will have seen increased patrols, including by armed officers,  across North Wales.

“Our Open Day is one of the highlights of the calendar for us and, based on past attendance levels, is for our local communities too. A great deal of planning involving ourselves and partners goes into it, so to postpone the event was not a decision that was taken lightly and I apologise for any inconvenience caused.

“The event is supported by a great many police officers, special constabulary members, volunteers, specialist teams - including firearms and dogs – and many colleagues from partner organisations many of whom under the current circumstances are needed out and about across North Wales providing a reassuring presence and security to members of the public. Officers from North Wales are also currently working alongside colleagues in Greater Manchester, and we have officers deployed in the city.

"I am confident that the public would expect me to put all available resources into keeping our communities safe rather than planning for, and holding the open day, in spite of the importance of the occasion. Even if the critical threat level is reduced before the event, it would be difficult to ensure that we have the resources available to guarantee a successful day, and we have left the decision as late as possible under the circumstances.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with those who lost their lives, their families and loved ones, and those who were injured in Monday’s senseless attack.

“North Wales Police will stand together as a team with all UK forces and other agencies in the face of the current national threat, to do everything that we can to keep people safe and to provide reassurance.

“We continue to work with our Policing and Counter Terrorism partners in both investigating the Manchester attack and gathering intelligence to prevent further attacks.   We are also working closely with the other emergency services, local authority partners and our  local communities.

“The sad events of this week reinforce the need for us all to remain vigilant. Our advice remains the same, please stay alert but not alarmed and report any suspicious incidents immediately.”

The decision to postpone until September 16th was made to avoid clashes with other North Wales weekend events over the summer.

* Report anything suspicious to the confidential anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.  In an emergency always call 999.