Extra armed police on duty over bank holiday and for FA Cup final

Extra armed officers will patrol the streets of London over the bank holiday weekend and for the FA Cup final in wake of the Manchester terror attack.

Soldiers have already been put on guard at several “key locations” including outside Buckingham Palace and Downing Street after the UK’s terror threat was raised to “critical” on Tuesday, meaning another attack could be imminent.

No soldiers will be deployed at Saturday’s FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Chelsea, according to Sky News, however fans can expect to see extra armed officers in and around Wembley Stadium.

Saturday’s Aviva Premiership final between Wasps and Exeter at Twickenham will also see more armed officers around the stadium.

Chief Superintendent Jon Williams, who in charge of public order policing in the MPS, said: “The focus is the safety and security of fans. Anyone coming to the FA Cup Final or the other play off matches over the weekend will see an increase in police numbers in and around the stadium.

“This will include extra armed officers on foot patrol around the environs of the Stadium, and the deployment of police armoured vehicles to support road closures.

“At Twickenham rugby fans will see more armed officers on foot around the stadium.”

Foot patrols and roving patrols in cars will be carried out with borough and specialist colleagues, while armed police will also be present at smaller events, Scotland Yard said.

Ch Supt Williams added: “London is a busy and vibrant place to be on any given weekend and this weekend will be no different as the city plays host to a range of top class sporting fixtures and other events.

“Since the change in threat level we have increased our policing levels and deployed a range of different operations and tactics to best protect the capital.

“Policing operations for each event have been thoroughly reviewed with the organisers and we’ve put in place extra measures and officers.

“We are doing everything we can to keep London safe.”

Anyone concerned about suspicious behaviour, or who has information they believe may help police, should call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline 0800 789 321. They do not have to give their name and all information received via the hotline is confidential.