Armed police to be on patrol at Sunderland Airshow

Armed police will be on patrol across the weekend for this year's Sunderland Airshow.
Armed police at last year's Sunderland Airshow.Armed police at last year's Sunderland Airshow.
Armed police at last year's Sunderland Airshow.

The spectacular event, which has become a staple of the North East calendar, is one of the largest free annual Airshows in Europe and has enthralled crowds ever since it began 30 years ago.

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to descend on Roker and Seaburn on the city's seafront between Friday and Sunday.

Armed police at last year's Sunderland Airshow.Armed police at last year's Sunderland Airshow.
Armed police at last year's Sunderland Airshow.
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Police will again be supporting the Airshow and officers will be on duty across the city to ensure the event passes without turbulence.

Chief Superintendent Sarah Pitt, Northumbria Police’s silver commander at the Airshow, said: “It has already been a memorable summer and this is another brilliant opportunity for Sunderland to be seen as the great city we know it is, following on just a fortnight after the Tall Ships Races 2018.

“We are pleased and proud to once again be supporting the Airshow and have been working closely with Sunderland City Council and our partner organisations to ensure the event runs smoothly, and any disruption to our local communities is kept to a minimum.

“As was the case at the Tall Ships, armed officers will be at the event to reassure the public along with our Marine Unit.

Last year's Sunderland Airshow.Last year's Sunderland Airshow.
Last year's Sunderland Airshow.
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“While public safety is our overriding priority, our officers are also there to speak to the public and answer any questions visitors may have.

"They are friendly and approachable – so please stop and say hello, or take a picture with them.

“We would ask the public to follow our social media channels for the latest safety messages and advice, and anybody who sees anything suspicious is asked to report it to an officer on patrol or by ringing 101.

"In an emergency, call 999.

“Everyone at Northumbria Police are looking forward to marking the 30th Airshow, and we hope to see you all there.”

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This year’s event, which opens at 4pm on Friday and continues throughout Saturday and Sunday, will include many of the crowd favourites which have dazzled visitors down the years, as well as some new aerial displays and attractions.

The Red Arrows, Typhoon, RAF Falcons parachute display team and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight are all scheduled to play a part in this year’s event.

Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council and Chair of the Safer Sunderland Partnership, Councillor Michael Mordey said: “We thank all our community safety partners for their help in planning for the large public events we stage here in our city, we couldn’t do it without them.

“The welcome presence of Northumbria Police officers at the Sunderland Airshow provides us all with visual re-assurance that we are in safe hands.”