Wilding: 'Expect the unexpected'

The terrorism expert has called for vigilance after last week's bombing of the Madrid commuter trains.

Miss Wilding said targets had undoubtedly changed since the attack in which 202 people died.

Cardiff, as a capital, was at risk, and the stadium with all its international TV exposure was a potential target for those wanting to cause maximum damage and loss of life.

"Everyone sees London as the prime target, which is totally natural, but after 9-11, we have to accept that things have changed. It's not just authority, the establishment and VIPs , terrorists will attack anywhere," said Miss Wilding.

Don't be upset, don't stop doing your job, don't stop doing what you enjoy, just be a little more vigilant Chief Constable Barbara Wilding

"We don't want people to be alarmed, but to be vigilant, to tell us their concerns in their communities, when they're at work, at play, at sporting events and the like."

Miss Wilding was previously deputy assistant commissioner at the Metropolitan Police until moving to her latest appointment in south Wales in January.

She is also chairwoman of the national suicide terrorism working group, and she added that people have to "expect the unexpected."

That included the possibility of Cardiff being a target, with high profile buildings like the Millennium Stadium and the new Millennium Arts Centre in the bay.

"In reality it's the capital and you do have points where people gather, going to see cultural events et cetera.

"But because targets have changed, we have lots of places where people go, across the UK, like shopping malls."

Speaking to BBC Wales after a two-day terrorism exercise in Swansea, Miss Wilding said she was satisfied the force was prepared and taking all necessary precautions to prevent terrorist attacks.

The stadium says security is under constant review

"My role is to say 'Don't be upset, don't stop doing your job, don't stop doing what you enjoy, just be a little more vigilant'."

A Millennium Stadium spokesman said its general safety group, involving police, ambulance, fire and stadium staff is constantly reviewing security.

Miss Wilding emphasised that Muslims in South Wales should not feel under attack in any way, and appealed to people to continue to go about their normal business, so that the terrorists did not win.