THE police and crime commissioner (PCC) for Gwent has called for vigilance from the public during the period of “heightened state of alert in the UK” following the incident in Newport on Thursday.

Jeff Cuthbert thanked the members of the emergency services and Newport City Council for their swift action following reports of two suspicious items in the city.

The two items were found outside Friars Walk and near to the George Street bridge – one was a car and the other remains unconfirmed at this time.

Mr Cuthbert said: “I would like to thank Gwent Police, Newport City Council and other emergency services partners for their professionalism and the manner in which they conducted themselves in response to the reported incidents in Newport yesterday.

“Understandably, there was disruption, but the response was swift and shows that the police and our partners across other emergency services and Newport City Council have well-rehearsed plans for incidents of this nature.

“It was pleasing to see numerous messages from members of the public, praising the professionalism of our officers and the respectful manner in which they conducted themselves.”

The PCC for Gwent added that despite the change in the terror threat level, the police’s priority remains the same – public safety.

“In light of recent events, we are currently in a heightened state of alert in the UK and our overall priority is that the public are protected and feel safe,” said Mr Cuthbert.

“I would like to thank members of the public for their patience yesterday and I would urge them to remain vigilant.”