Thatcher Death Party 'Planned For Years'

Police are being frustrated by protest groups' refusal to reveal their plans for an anti-Thatcher demonstration in central London on Saturday.

Hundreds of anarchists and others have openly discussed "the party of a lifetime" on social media sites.

It is planned for Trafalgar Square, the scene of a 1990 poll tax riot against a key Thatcher Government policy which was later scrapped and contributed to her political downfall soon afterwards.

Sources said the party has been planned for many years for "the Saturday after Thatcher dies".

Scotland Yard chiefs were taken by surprise at the number and intensity of so-called "death parties" which swiftly followed the announcement of Baroness Thatcher's death on Monday.

They are planning a major security operation for the funeral next Wednesday, but are concerned about protests before then.

Commander Christine Jones said: "Right up to and during the course of Wednesday's events we will monitor a range of information to make sure we have the most up to date intelligence picture.

"There has been much speculation about what levels of protest may take place.

"I would ask anyone who wishes to demonstrate then, or in the coming days, to come and talk to us. The right to protest is one that must be upheld.

"However, we will work to do that whilst balancing the rights of those who wish to pay their respects and those who wish to travel about London as usual."

Thousands of police will line the route of Wednesday's cortege and mobile units will be on standby in case of trouble.

As well as threats from anti-Thatcher protesters, there is a continuing threat of attack on the UK by international terrorists and, to a lesser degree, Irish republican dissidents who might use the media focus on the funeral to promote their own cause.

The Fixated Threat Assessment Centre, a small team of detectives and NHS psychiatrists, is monitoring individuals who have threatened Lady Thatcher or any of the VIP guests in the past.

Scotland Yard Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe was deputy during the 2011 summer riots when police briefly lost control of the some of the capital's streets and will be determined to prevent a repeat.

There may be pre-emptive arrests of suspects planning violence, though police insist they need firm evidence to justify such a move.