Dyfed-Powys Police say they have met with a man planning a protest which he claims could disrupt the Ironman Wales event on Sunday.

Thousands of athletes, their families and supporters are expected to head to Tenby and other Pembrokeshire vantage points to watch the swim, cycle and marathon that makes up one of the most gruelling endurance challenges in the world.

But details of a planned protest – including the possibility of slow moving convoys along the event route – have been circulating on social media.

The Western Telegraph has now been sent details of the potential protest – called ‘Operation Lightning’ by organiser Andrew Brown of Pembroke Dock – who says the action is to highlight alleged failings by Pembrokeshire County Council social services.

He claims to have around 200 peoople ready to act.

“We have contacted the people who arrange Ironman to advise them of our intention to completely halt Ironman”, he said.

“We do not care about the impact on the economy.

“We are over 200 victims of Pembrokeshire Social Services and want outside intervention into this inadequate Social Service in Pembrokeshire that we pay for.

“We are being ignored , mistreated and abused and left feeling a victim.”

Mr Brown had originally planned action at the County Show but that failed to materialise.

He said he is “an experienced protester and took part in the coal industry strikes and others.”

This week, Dyfed-Powys Police released a statement on their website in relation to the potential action. It read: “Dyfed Powys Police, Pembrokeshire County Council and the organisers of Ironman have been made aware of a potential protest, being circulated on social media, to be held at the Ironman event in Tenby over the coming weekend.

“Police have met with an individual linked to the protest to discuss their plans.

“Appropriate measures are in place to ensure the safety of both participants and spectators.”