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Armed police surround Wembley for FA Cup final as thousands descend on national stadium

Armed police have surrounded Wembley stadium as security is stepped up on the day of the FA Cup final.

Almost 90,000 fans are expected to descend on the national stadium as Arsenal take on Chelsea on Saturday evening.

Security was ramped up across the UK after the terror attack on Manchester Arena on Monday night.

Twenty two people died when suicide bomber Salman Abedi struck at the end of an Ariana Grande pop concert.

Armed officers surrounded the national stadium ahead of the FA Cup final (PA)
Armed officers surrounded the national stadium ahead of the FA Cup final (PA)

The day after the atrocity, the UK treat level was raised to the highest possible rating, critical, but was on Saturday reduced to severe.

Police increased their presence and have encircled Wembley for today’s football event.

Supporters and staff were searched as they entered the national stadium.

In statement, the Metropolitan Police said there would be a full review of security and policing operations for the weekends’ sporting events.

Armoured vehicles were seen near Wembley (PA)
Armoured vehicles were seen near Wembley (PA)

Earlier this week, the FA said: “Fan safety is of paramount importance and we have robust security measures in place at Wembley Stadium.

“In collaboration with the Metropolitan Police and the local authorities there will be an enhanced security operation for all upcoming events.

“All supporters are encouraged to arrive for events at Wembley Stadium as early as possible for security checks and to avoid any delays in entering the stadium.”

The increased police presence continues after the UK terror threat level was reduced to severe (PA)
The increased police presence continues after the UK terror threat level was reduced to severe (PA)

Despite Theresa May lowering the threat level to severe, which means an attack was no longer considered imminent, the country's most senior counter-terror officer Mark Rowley said the vast security operation will still be present for the weekend.

Speaking after the reduction in the threat level, Mr Rowley said: "Members of the public this weekend may be wondering what that means in terms of the events they will be going to on a sunny bank holiday weekend.

"For practical reasons and precautionary reasons, we made the decision that the resources that we had planned for this weekend's events will continue.

"They will still see that higher level of policing presence, some armed, some unarmed.

"Once we get past the weekend, we are going to look forward to stepping down the extra resources we have put in place over the last week."