Police praise for Sunderland Airshow crowds

Police have praised the public for their behaviour during Sunderland Airshow, with just five arrests across the weekend.
The Sunderland North Neighbourhood Policing team were among the officers on duty during the three-day eventThe Sunderland North Neighbourhood Policing team were among the officers on duty during the three-day event
The Sunderland North Neighbourhood Policing team were among the officers on duty during the three-day event

Hundreds of thousands of spectators descended on Roker and Seaburn seafront for the 30th Airshow and Northumbria Police were on duty throughout the three-day spectacle.

Chief Superintendent Sarah Pitt, who was the force's silver commander for the Airshow, was quick to praise the public after another successful weekend: "Whatever the weather, Sunderland Airshow continues to be a huge favourite across the region and we were once again proud to be part of this magnificent event," she said.

Armed officers were on patrol at the Sunderland Airshow to reassure the publicArmed officers were on patrol at the Sunderland Airshow to reassure the public
Armed officers were on patrol at the Sunderland Airshow to reassure the public
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"As a Force, we were delighted to engage with the public, take pictures with families and chat to residents about issues in their communities.

"I would like to praise the behaviour of spectators throughout the weekend. We experienced very few incidents of note, making just five arrests over the three days. It is testament to the people of the North East that, rain or shine, they created a fantastic atmosphere and behaved impeccably.

"As ever with large-scale events like this, and especially given the volatile weather, there was the potential for disruption on our roads and difficulties getting people to and from the site.

"However, I was thrilled that the event passed without incident, and everyone left in good spirits.

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“The Airshow would not be possible without the hard work of my staff, event organisers, our partners and also the public. Thank you – and see you next year.”

Sunderland City Council also hailed the event and praised the public.

Coun John Kelly, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Sunderland City Council, said: "We’d like to thank everyone who came along to help us celebrate the 30th Sunderland Airshow over the weekend and who helped make it an event to enjoy, whatever the weather threw at us.

"A great deal of planning goes into large free outdoor events like this, and their continuing success is testament to the close partnership working with Northumbria Police and other partners within our city.

"It was a great event and it’s the support of the people who came along to take part - their patience, good humour and community spirit - which made it so.

"Thank you all."