North Wales Police has created a Mountain Rescue Support Team, the first of its kind in England and Wales.

Designed to strengthen their response to incidents involving vulnerable individuals and volatile situations within the unique and challenging environment of North Wales’s mountains and rural landscapes, the new team will work alongside established mountain rescue teams and emergency service partners, providing dedicated police support during incidents where individuals may be at risk of harm to themselves or others in difficult-to-access terrain.

Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman, KPM said: “The creation of the first Police Mountain Rescue Support Team in England and Wales represents a significant step forward in our ability to protect communities and visitors across North Wales.

“Our officers regularly operate in some of the most challenging environments in the country, and this dedicated team will enhance our effectiveness, improve public safety, and further strengthen our partnership working with mountain rescue teams and other emergency services.”

These officers will remain in their day-to-day roles but will be recognised as having an extra specialist skill to be deployed when the need arises.