Extra armed police drafted in to make weekend sporting events 'hostile to terrorists'

Extra armed police will guard major sporting events this weekend after the military was drafted in to protect key locations - including at Wembley for Huddersfield Town's Championship Play-Off final.
Security has been upgraded across London ahead of a big weekend of sport.Security has been upgraded across London ahead of a big weekend of sport.
Security has been upgraded across London ahead of a big weekend of sport.

Soldiers have been stationed at sites including Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament, freeing up additional armed officers to attend events such as Saturday's FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Chelsea, and also Huddersfield's game with Reading on Bank Holiday Monday.

The move comes after the UK threat level was raised to critical following the Manchester Arena suicide attack on Monday.

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The strengthened security is designed to make London as "hostile an environment as possible to terrorists".

Fans attending the football at Wembley Stadium over the weekend and also the Aviva Premiership Rugby Final at Twickenham on Saturday face heightened security checks.

They have therefore been asked to arrive early to the London events.

Metropolitan Police Chief Superintendent Jon Williams said: "We are working closely with both the Football Association (FA) and Wembley to ensure this weekend's iconic football matches pass off without incident."

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He added: "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."

Mr Williams said operations will include both covert and discreet tactics which will extend post-match protection, and include the transport network.

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"All of this is designed to make the policing approach unpredictable and to make London as hostile an environment as possible to terrorists," he said.

Security will also be tightened around York Racecourse for their meeting on Saturday and at Bramall Lane in Sheffield ahead of Kell Brook's fight against Errol Spence Jr.

Manchester is hosting the Great City Games and Great Manchester run this weekend, putting pressure on the local police force.

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: "There are no military personnel patrolling Manchester but we are therefore able to receive additional armed policing support because of this plan.

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"We are using this to help in our efforts enable the Manchester Games and Manchester 10k to go ahead.

"We are working with event organisers and Manchester City Council to review and enhance our safety and security."

As well as military personnel, Ministry of Defence Police are also being used to support regional forces.

A spokesman for Kent Police said: "Kent Police is liaising with the Home Office to regularly assess the national threat levels and what that means for our county.

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"Highly-visible firearms officers are already patrolling key locations in Kent as part of our current deployment and as a result of this ongoing work, additional police officer patrols have been arranged."

Message for fans from Wembley Stadium...

The safety of fans is of paramount importance and we have robust security measures in place at Wembley Stadium connected by EE. In collaboration with the Metropolitan Police and the local authorities there will be an enhanced security operation for all upcoming events.

All supporters attending the upcoming matches at Wembley Stadium are advised to arrive as early as possible to avoid queues and to support commemorations of the tragic events in Manchester this week.

Fans can be assured that all appropriate security measures are in place for the upcoming matches, which includes thorough searches upon entrance to Wembley Stadium, and they are encouraged to arrive as early as possible to avoid any delays in entering the stadium. We strongly advise that all supporters arrive at the stadium no later than 1 hour prior kick-off to be inside for the start of the match and we encourage spectators to not bring any bags or unnecessary items with them.

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The FA plans to appropriately remember Monday’s Manchester attack before the kick-off of the Emirates FA Cup Final including:

* A period of silence will be observed prior to kick-off

* Commemorative wreaths will be laid by The President of the Football Association, his Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge and The Football Association Chairman, Greg Clarke

* Arsenal and Chelsea players will wear black armbands as well as the match officials

In addition, all four teams and match officials taking part in the Sky Bet Play-Off Finals on Sunday and Monday will wear black armbands and observe a period of silence prior to kick-off.

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On Tuesday night The FA lit the Wembley Arch in England colours to remember the victims and to show support for all those affected by the attack, as well as displaying ‘For Manchester’ on the front of the stadium.

The Emirates FA Cup Final matchday programme was printed prior to this weekend’s matches, so there is no reference to Monday night’s tragic events due to print deadline. The FA will instead be showing its support with the plans listed above.

We thank all supporters for their cooperation and understanding.

Saturday 27 May

Emirates FA Cup Final: Arsenal v Chelsea

17:30 kick-off

Sunday 28 May

Sky Bet League Two Play-Off Final: Blackpool v Exeter City

15:00 kick-off

Monday 29 May

Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final: Huddersfield Town v Reading

15:00 kick-off