Wrexham's MP has expressed his concerns over an increase in violent crime across North Wales.

Ian Lucas is keen to meet police bosses over what he says is a ‘disturbing’ rise in violent crime in North Wales.

He has written to North Wales Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) Arfon Jones to request a face-to-face meeting to discuss both his concerns and those of his constituents.

Mr Lucas would also like to speak to the force’s soon-to-be-appointed Chief Constable about the problem.

Statistics relating to court outcomes in North Wales – sent by the Ministry for Justice in response to a written parliamentary question from Mr Lucas - show violent crime has risen in the past decade.

There were three murders in North Wales in 2007, compared to four in 2009 and 12 in 2017.

The figures also show rises in attempted murder, GBH and racially or religiously aggravated common assault.

Other offences have decreased in North Wales over the same period, but it is the spike in violent crime which particularly concerns Mr Lucas – and he does not feel there is sufficient emphasis on this area in North Wales’ Police and Crime Plan.

Mr Lucas said: “These figures paint a disturbing picture of the issue of violent crime in North Wales.

“I meet regularly with my constituents and what I hear from them is that they are very concerned by this increase in violent crime.

“I would welcome the chance to discuss this with Arfon Jones and also the new Chief Constable for North Wales, once the appointment has been made.”

Mr Jones has previously refused to meet Mr Lucas, though he has written to him to say he would consider holding an ‘information day’ which all MPs and AMs could attend.

Mr Lucas added: “Mr Jones seems very reluctant to meet us and hear what our constituents say to us about North Wales Police.

"This is doubly disturbing because of his continuing refusal to meet our individual constituents to discuss their cases and concerns. Holding an ‘information day’ may be a useful public relations exercise but it is no substitute for a continuing, proactive relationship with elected representatives in your area.”

There were 41 assaults on North Wales officers in August.