RUMOURS of a protest/demonstration in the centre of Rhyl yesterday (August 5) prompted an increased police presence in the town and led to some of its businesses closing as a precautionary measure.
The Journal was shown a notice suggesting that a demonstration had been planned at 1pm yesterday, though this did not transpire.
Incidents of disorder have taken place across the UK in the last week, initially in Southport on July 30, following a multiple stabbing in the town a day earlier.
Axel Rudakubana, 17, has since been charged with murdering three girls and attempting to murder 10 other people at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport.
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Gareth Davies, MS for Vale of Clwyd, said he has been liaising with North Wales Police on the matter and will continue to do so.
Numerous businesses in the town decided to close, with some staff sent home early, while some are remaining shut today – one business owner in Rhyl said it was borne out of a necessity to “put safety above business”.
Mr Davies said yesterday: “This afternoon, I have been informed of an increased police presence in Rhyl town centre and the Promenade in anticipation of demonstrations; something akin to what has been seen nationally over the past week or so.
“Some local businesses have also closed today in anticipation of an event.
“Like most folk, I completely respect people's democratic right to protest on whatever the reason might be.
“But any violence, threatening behaviour, intimidation, arson, damage to property etc. will not be accepted, and the police will take the appropriate action.
“I will continue to liaise with North Wales Police on this matter and hope that peace, respect and order will remain in tact over the course of the anticipated demonstrations.”
Mr Davies added this morning: "I spoke to North Wales Police who confirmed that there will be an increased police presence in Rhyl today to offer reassurance and act as a deterrent to any potential issues.
"Again, please stay safe and show respect to everyone. Rhyl is better than this."
Former councillor Paul Penlington shared the below photo of a sparsely populated Rhyl Events Arena (where the demonstration was believed to have been based) yesterday.
He said: “Police in Rhyl were on alert for a possible march/riot starting at the Events Arena at 1pm.
“As it happened, no-one turned up. That was good to see, but concerning that Rhyl was seen as a potential site by the organisers of these offences.
“North Wales Police were prepared, but shouldn't have to waste officers’ time and their resources."
Security firm Phoenix Security North Wales also opted to increase its presence in Rhyl’s town centre yesterday, meanwhile, in case any trouble arose.
North Wales Police has been approached for further comment on the matter, but conducted its own high-visibility patrols across the region last weekend.
In a statement on Friday (August 2), the force said: “Following this week’s events in Southport, and several subsequent incidents nationwide, our officers will be conducting high visibility patrols across the force area this weekend to reassure the public.
“We respect the democratic right to protest, however we would urge anyone exercising that right to do so peacefully.
“Anyone attending a protest or attending in the pursuance of protest who acts in a violent, threatening or disorderly manner can expect to be dealt with in accordance with the criminal law and police powers.”
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