GWENT Police have presented acid attack kits to pubs in Gwent.

They contain personal protective equipment and various items for the immediate treatment of burns, including bottles of water, bandages, chemical gloves, face masks and goggles.

An initial nine kits have been bought with support from community groups in the Caerphilly borough area. However, Gwent Police is are keen to stress that the initiative is simply a precaution and that they do not wish to cause alarm.

The kits can be used to treat all sorts of injuries involving hazardous substances.

PC Dan Allen has driven the initiative. He said: “I hope that there is never a time where these kits need to be used.

“We haven’t had such an attack in the Gwent force area, but this is about ensuring people are equipped to deal with something if it happens.”

Nine pubs across the area have been given a kit.

They are The Malcolm Uphill in Caerphilly, Kings Arms in Caerphilly, Cwtch in Caerphilly, Porters in Blackwood, Sirhowy in Blackwood, Preacher’s Bar in Blackwood and The Flourmill in Blackwood. Blackwood Street Pastors and Twyn Community Centre in Caerphilly have also been given a kit.

The first acid attack response kits in Gwent have been funded by Blackwood Street Pastors, Caerphilly Street Pastors, Blackwood and Risca Crime Prevention Panel, Twyn Community Centre and Blackwood Town Council.

Jason White, chief inspector Neighbourhood Support, said: “It’s been highlighted on a national level, the amount of acid attacks. They’ve become so prominent in the bigger cities.

“However, we have to re-emphasise and reassure people that to date Gwent has never had an acid attack.”

He said went on to explain that as well as treating the victim, the kits are also designed to protect the individual who has come to help. This is why the kits include the PPE,” he said.

Andrew Jones, deputy manager at the Kings Arms in Caerphilly, said: “As a license licence holder, one of your main priorities is the safety of your customers and staff.

“We’ll now train our staff in how to use the equipment. It could save a life.”