Deeside residents report seeing armed police pull over a car on Aston Road

Deeside residents have described on social media of seeing a number of police cars including ARV’s – armed response vehicles pulling over a car just off the A494 near the Plough Inn Pub.

Up to six police vehicles were involved in the stop and search operation, three ARV’s and a dog unit were seen in a video posted on Facebook by Martyn Derbyshire who has kindly allowed us to take some images from the video.

Police appear to have stopped a black Skoda Fabia at around 6.45pm, the occupants are seen in the video being questioned by police officers.

Two officers from Cheshire and North Wales AAP (Alliance Armed Policing Unit) armed with Heckler & Koch G36 automatic rifles were seen stationed either side of Aston Road waving onlookers and cars past the scene.

It believed police stayed with the stopped vehicle for around 40 minutes the occupants were then allowed leave.

Operation Temperer

Police have increased armed patrols at key locations and large public gatherings as part of the nationwide implementation of Operation Temperer in response to the terror attack at the Manchester Arena on Monday evening.

The message coming from police is “be reassured and not alarmed” the increased threat level and implementation of Operation Temperer is aimed at ensuring more armed police officers are available to be deployed.

Armed officers have been on duty this evening at the UB40 concert in Wrexham as part of the increased security measures.

This weekend hundreds of events are taking place up and down the UK, extra officers on duty as police urge public to continue to enjoy events – but be vigilant.

Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, national lead for counter-terrorism policing, said:

On Tuesday, 23 May, the threat level to the UK was raised to critical based on an assessment by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre.

Police across the country are planning to deliver an enhanced level of policing throughout the bank holiday weekend.

We are working with event organisers to advise and support them so everyone in this country can go to the hundreds of events that are on and simply relax and enjoy their bank holiday.

A complete review of the plans for over 1,300 events across the country has been carried out by specialist security officers and policing has been stepped up.

There will be extra officers on duty, and that will include hundreds of armed officers. Extra firearms officers have been out on streets because we have backfilled some static guarding posts at key places with military personnel.

Their presence at these sites will continue throughout the weekend.

I would like to thank those military colleagues, who are working hard as part of the UK’s policing operation, but also a huge thanks to all those who are working round the clock – those detectives, officers on patrol, support staff, our partners in the security services – to protect our country.

My request to the public is simple – if this weekend you see something out of place, that causes you concern or raises your suspicions, tell us. If you have those suspicions now about someone – tell us – we will act on all information we are given and together we can defeat terrorism.

What can you do to help stay safe 

Please remain calm but vigilant at all times. If anything gives you cause for concern, call police. Do not
rely on someone else – ACT

Call the police, in confidence, on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, always call 999.

Please take a moment to watch this video. If you are caught up in an attack, it could save your life.
Share the link with your friends.

Follow official police Twitter accounts and @PoliceChiefs or @TerrorismPolice for accurate updates
and developments.

If you run a business or event in a crowded place, visit the National Counter Terrorism Security Office
website for the latest advice.

Please give police and other security personnel your full cooperation. They are working to protect you.

If you have any concerns about issues that may relate to hate crime, call police on 101 or visit the Tell MAMA website for more information.