A POLICE chief has reflected on the challenges of the last year as the UK marks a milestone of the covid-19 pandemic.

North Wales Police Chief Constable Carl Foulkes offered his condolences to families who have lost loved ones and paid tribute to emergency service colleagues in a message released a year after the first national lockdown came into force.

He said: "As we reach the first anniversary of the start of the original covid-19 lockdown, I wanted to take a minute to reflect on what has without doubt been an emotional rollercoaster of a year for so many reasons.

"Firstly, my sincere condolences go out to all who have lost loved ones.

"It has been a very sad and difficult year for so many of us.

"There will be a number of events nationally and locally on March 23 to remember lives lost to the virus, along with a two minute silence at noon on the same day which I will be observing along with colleagues.

"Throughout the year I have been filled time and again with immense gratitude and admiration for the work carried out by our partners, in particular our NHS colleagues who continue to work tirelessly to respond to the evolving pandemic situation.

"Policing has also faced its own unique challenges over the year and I am proud of the way in which officers and staff faced these to keep our communities safe.

"It's been heart warming to see letters of thanks come in to stations and officers on patrol getting a thumbs up from people who are grateful for what we do day in, day out.

"Clearly it's not been without its policing challenges, which have changed as the pandemic evolved.

"But support from our communities has meant a huge amount to us all.

"Now as we reach the year milestone, policing nationally is navigating its way through the need to ensure that everyone feels safe on our streets, whoever they are and whatever they are doing.

"This came into sharp focus following the disappearance and murder of Sarah Everard, a young woman making her way home across London.

"My heartfelt thoughts are with her family and her loved ones at this moment in time.

"Everyone has a right to feel safe and we will do all we can to make sure this is the case.

"Please don't hesitate to contact us if you are concerned about something.

"Your call will be taken very seriously."