Brunstrom 'break-in' questioned

Police told the press Mr Brunstrom climbed into his office to test security

An MP has called for an inquiry into North Wales Police's account of what happened when its chief constable broke into his own headquarters.

A Freedom of Information (FoI) request reveals Richard Brunstrom climbed in through an open window because his key fob was not working.

But at the time, the force said he was testing security at the office.

Clwyd West MP David Jones wants an inquiry but the police authority said it had received a full explanation.

Mr Jones has written to the Ian Roberts, chair of the North Wales Police Authority, asking for an investigation.

He said: "I think that now the police authority has the duty to investigate this matter."

"The public will expect complete frankness."

But a spokesman for police authority said: "The matter was referred to the professional standards committee on 30 January."

"After being given a full explanation of the circumstances, including the fact that the key fob was not working, members decided no further action was needed."

Misleading

In his letter, Mr Jones asks what discussions took place between the press office, the chief constable and senior officers after the media showed interest in the incident.

He also asks if and why documents recording discussions between the press office and the chief constable were destroyed.

"I'm extremely concerned that at face value the North Wales Police press department has put out information that it knows to be misleading," Mr Jones said.

In December, it was reported that Mr Brunstrom had broken in to the North Wales Police headquarters in Colwyn Bay because he was concerned there was a security risk.

A spokeswoman said at the time: "North Wales Police headquarters is currently being refurbished and as a result, there is scaffolding attached to the building.

"We can confirm that the chief constable tested the security himself."

But documents released by the force, following a FOI request from a Conservative councillor in Portsmouth, suggest the real reason Mr Brunstrom broke in was because his entry fob was not working.

Freedom of information request

An extract from a Security Incident and Vulnerability Report from 1 December reads: "Chief constable attempts to gain access to FHQ but due to a fault on the fob access system he is denied access."

An email, sent on the same day, refers to a "security incident i.e. the chief constable climbing into HQ up the scaffolding and in through an open window because of problems with his fob..."

The force has been asked for a comment.

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