Charlie Hebdo massacre: North Wales Police pay respects to Paris victims
North Wales Police officers and staff, along with colleagues throughout the UK, stood silent to remember the twelve people killed and eleven injured in the terrorist attack on the offices of the French satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo in Paris yesterday.
At 10.30 am (11.30 Paris time) Chief Constable Mark Polin led the remembrance gathering attended by over 100 people at the Force Headquarters in Old Colwyn.
Chief Constable Mark Polin said:
“Two of the people killed were Police Officers working in the line of duty trying to protect the public of Paris. This morning we have heard that a third Police Officer has been shot and killed in a separate incident.
“When we stood here in August to remember our colleagues from North Wales killed in the First World War, I didn’t think that we would be here again so soon.
“The tragic events in Paris remind us all of the risks that Police Officers and staff take on a regular basis and the price that is paid on occasion. It would be good today to think of those victims in France, their families, their friends and the French public in general coming to terms with this heinous crime.
“Our society is built on free speech, tolerance and moderation. We must strive to ensure that the isolated acts of individuals do not destroy all that is good within our society. To do this we stand firm together, we look for unity in the face of division and seek to mend and build.”
Photographs from the events held by Police forces throughout the UK this morning will be sent to colleagues in France as a mark of respect and support.
The Association of Chief Police Officers and the Police Federation asked all police forces throughout the UK to hold ceremonies to show their respect for the victims of yesterday’s Paris terrorist attack, including those police officers who died.
ACPO Vice President Sir Peter Fahy said:
“All members of the British police forces are shocked at the savagery of this attack. In any democratic society it is the role of the Police to protect basic human rights and our two French colleagues died protecting free speech. They knew the risks they were facing in carrying out their duty and clearly showed great bravery in trying to prevent the terrorists murdering others. We stand in solidarity and express our great sympathy for their families and friends.
“We have to stand together against this threat and we cannot be naive or complacent about how extremist ideologies seek to justify this complete disrespect for human life and for the values which ensure the freedom and welfare of all citizens. We need the continued cooperation and support of the public to meet this threat but all members of British policing will be even more determined to face up to that very threat.”
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