Met set to ramp up policing numbers this bank holiday weekend

Ahead of what is expected to be a busy May Bank holiday weekend, the Metropolitan Police force is set to ramp up policing numbers this bank holiday weekend.

Officers have said they have been made aware of a number of people planning to protest in central London this Saturday, May 1.

Protesting is allowed under Covid-19 regulations but police have warned that anyone involved in the planning one of these events ought to ensure they comply with the current legal restrictions on protest gatherings.

This means they need to have carried out a risk assessment, which sets out how the gathering will be safe and minimise the risk of people transmitting Covid-19.

The Met have also said that Officers are currently working to prevent unlicensed music events that are being organised for the weekend.

Commander Simon Dobinson said: “This will be the first major Bank Holiday since the easing of restrictions and I know London’s streets will be busy with people heading to the shops or to the outdoor areas of London’s bars and restaurants.

“We also know that groups will be coming into London to demonstrate.

“If you are involved in planning a protest event, please ensure you comply with the current legal restrictions on protest gatherings.

“We are still in a global pandemic and the Met urges people to continue to comply with the restrictions that apply to gatherings and to follow government guidance.

“We have attempted to make contact with the organisers of Saturday’s demonstrations. It is their responsibility to comply with the regulations and ensure their gathering is safe.

“Officers will be present to try to engage with protestors, to explain the restrictions, encourage compliance and take steps to enforce the restrictions if it is necessary to do so.

“Anyone intending to engage in violence or disorder needs to understand that police we will take steps to prevent that behaviour.

“We will not tolerate attacks on our officers and staff.

“We will also take action against any unlicensed music events – they can attract violence and can be a significant risk to communities as well as children and young people.

“We know communities do not want these events on their doorstep, I’d ask anyone with information on these events to report it and I would also like to thank the members of the public who have made us aware of when these events are taking place.

“Call us on 101 or report online at www.Met.police.uk.”