ONE person has been arrested and another reported following an off road event involving 4x4 vehicles in Llwyneinion Woods in Rhos this weekend.

North Wales Police attended the site and using the four E’s approach to Covid 19 regulations, of Engage, Encourage, and Explain and as a last resort Enforce, dealt with the gathering. The participants dispersed once officers spoke to them.

The landowner has been reported for Covid 19 offences, one motorist was arrested for drug driving and another man is being dealt with for drug-related matters.

Inspector Mike Norbury said: “This event was a clear breach of the Covid 19 regulations. People who attended must have been aware of what they can and cannot do.

“We are determined to protect the local community and although our approach is always to engage and explain to people what they should be doing, we will take robust enforcement action when necessary.”

The arrested man has been released under investigation.

Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for People – Communities, Partnerships Public Protection and Community Safety, said: "I would like to thank North Wales Police for acting quickly and effectively here.

“It is clear that gatherings such as this will not be tolerated and appropriate action will be taken. The rules are very clear and it is all of our responsibility to make sure that we are aware of them and, more importantly, stick to them.”

Local residents raised concerns over people from outside the lockdown area travelling to the county.

At the Welsh Government press briefing, Health Minister Vaughan Gething said: "People can travel within county but they need to follow the rules when they do so, on social distancing.

“It may be possible for events, particularly outdoor events, to go ahead within that county, but there should not be cross-border travel and I certainly would not consider it a reasonable excuse to travel from outside the county with restrictions for an off-road event.

“People need to think seriously about how they follow the rules and not try to distinguish what is plainly considered to not be in them.”