The Metropolitan Police is preparing for a busy weekend with a number of high-profile events taking place in London. The city will be hosting the London Marathon, the children’s Mini Marathon, two FA Cup Semi-Finals, and several other football matches across the capital, as well as four days of planned protests by Extinction Rebellion.
In response to the planned protests, Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist has said, “Our experienced policing teams will be on duty throughout this period together with policing colleagues from British Transport Police and the City of London Police. People can expect to see a visible and engaging policing presence across London, including at transport hubs and other busy and crowded areas.”
The police have been in contact with the Extinction Rebellion organisers in the run-up to the event and will continue to engage with them throughout the period. However, Twist also warned that the police will respond quickly to remove and arrest activists as appropriate if the protest crosses the line into criminality.
In addition to the planned protests, the police will also be focusing on ensuring the safety of those attending the London Marathon and the football matches. With a number of road closures in place for the marathon, those attending are being advised to check the TfL and official London Marathon websites in advance to plan their journeys.
The police have assured the public that there will be a highly visible policing presence in and around the marathon route, at key transport hubs and across London, to ensure the safety of all those attending the events. Over 1900 officers will be policing the football matches to prevent crime and maintain public order.
Assistant Commissioner Twist concluded by urging people not to take matters into their own hands, stating that the police will be on duty to respond to any issues that may arise.
