FOR the first time in nearly 80 years, York Minster Police now hold the same powers as regular police constables within the cathedral’s precinct - including the power of arrest.

Constables in the private police force, who have recently undergone specialist training, were attested yesterday by Duncan Webster, chairman of the North Yorkshire Bench, at a ceremony in the Minster’s 13th century Chapter House.

Each constable swore an oath on the 1,000 year old York Gospels before receiving their warrant card, constable’s hat and a certificate.

Established in the 13th century, the Minster Police constabulary is thought to be the oldest continuing police service in the country and a forerunner of the modern police force established by Sir Robert Peel in 1829.

The Cathedral Constables were sworn in as constables until the 1930s, when they ceased to be attested.

Mark Sutcliffe, Inspector of Cathedral Police at the Minster, said he felt ‘very proud’ of the team for attaining their attestation.

“He said it was an important day for everyone involved but also a significant milestone in the history of the force, which had played an important role in life at the cathedral for hundreds of years.

“York Minster is one of only seven cathedrals in the world to maintain its own police force, which works closely with North Yorkshire Police to keep the cathedral and the thousands of people who visit it every year from around the world safe,” he said.

“The attestation and training the officers have completed ensures our Cathedral Constables have the professional skills and powers necessary to execute their duties.”

The Cathedral Constables join officers from Canterbury, Liverpool and Chester who are attested and hold the powers of constable in their respective cathedral and precincts.

Yesterday’s ceremony was conducted less than 24 hours after the Manchester terrorist attack.

Asked if the new powers were connected to any terrorism threat, a spokeswoman said previously that North Yorkshire Police should be contacted about ‘any security threat issues related to terrorism, as it’s not something we would comment on.’

She said the Minster police were unarmed, but were able to carry personal safety equipment once they had undertaken personal safety training, which could include a police baton.

The Press reported after the terrorist attack in Westminster that security had been stepped up at the Minster, with high-visibility officers providing a reassuring presence in the public areas and visitors warned they might be asked to allow their bags to be searched before entering.