WELSH police leaders discussed topics including police custody healthcare, improving services for victims of crime and collaboration between forces at a two-day conference in Newport.

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Gwent Ian Johnston hosted the three other PCCs in Wales, Chief Constables and their representatives at the Hilton Hotel in Newport for the All Wales Policing Group Conference.

The range of topics in the spotlight over the two days included how to ensure that vulnerable people suffering a mental health crisis receive appropriate care and do not end up in police custody, enhancing collaborative opportunities between police forces and the commissioning of services for all victims of crime.

Representatives from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent and the Positive Futures organisation also highlighted how the Positive Futures project has evolved since the Commissioner provided funding to expand it throughout Gwent.

The project uses sports and physical activity to help young people to turn their backs on a life of crime and anti-social behaviour.

The project has been endorsed by Sport Wales and all five local authorities in Gwent have signed up.

Speaking after the conference, Mr Johnston, said: “Collaboration is vital and a lot can be achieved by working effectively with the other Forces and Commissioners on certain issues.

"It’s important that we support each other in Wales, discuss these issues and share best practice to find a common solution to some of the challenges we face.”