England v Croatia: 'Don't let World Cup be excuse for disorder,' police appeal amid surge in 999 calls
Donald Trump's visit and huge protests add pressure to stretched police forces
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Police are appealing to the public not to repeat the disorder and vandalism seen after England’s World Cup match against Sweden as Donald Trump’s visit increases pressure on stretched forces.
People have been asked only to call 999 in “genuine emergences” as officers are put on extended 12-hour shifts and have rest days cancelled to cope with huge protests planned in the coming days.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said a “significant, multi-faceted security operation” was in place for the US president’s stay, which starts on Thursday.
It warned that demand on police, who are already battling a rise in violent crime, was already high across the UK due to nationwide protests, the World Cup and a second novichok incident in Wiltshire.
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Shead, of the National Police Coordination Centre, said almost every force was providing officers to help security operations for Mr Trump’s visit, which will span London, Windsor, Chequers and Scotland.
“Following England's World Cup match on Saturday, forces are reporting exceptionally heavy demand,” he added.
“Emergency calls spiked significantly after the match and have continued to remain high.
“Police chiefs are working to balance support for the presidential visit, and policing any associated protests, with responding to calls for help from the public and minimising the impact on local police services. Unfortunately, this means officers' rest days have been cancelled and many will be working extended 12-hour shifts.
“This is a busy week for policing across the country so please only call 999 in a genuine emergency and don't let the football be an excuse for disorder or obstructing the emergency services.”
Celebrations following England’s victory over Sweden in the World Cup quarter finals spilled over into disorder and vandalism in parts of the country on Saturday.
Major roads were blocked in London, Birmingham and other cities, while fans were pictured jumping on emergency service vehicles, buses, cars and bus stops.
People photographed jumping on a paramedic car left with its windscreen smashed in London were condemned on social media, while fans stormed a branch of Swedish furniture chain Ikea.
Huge protests are also planned during Mr Trump’s visit, with the largest expected in London on Friday.
Supporters of the jailed far-right leader Tommy Robinson are planning to demonstrate in the capital on Saturday, prompting fears that violence and attacks on police officers seen at a previous march in June will be repeated.
The NPCC said forces would “facilitate the right to peaceful protest, whilst ensuring that disruption to their local communities is kept to a minimum”.
The Police Federation previously predicted that thousands of officers would be deployed away from their home forces in the coming days.
Commanders are required to send officers for major events and emergencies outside their region under a mutual aid agreement.
Simon Kempton, the association’s operational policing lead, said: “While the officers on mutual aid are deployed elsewhere, thousands more of their colleagues left behind in their home force will be expected to pick up the slack, leaving them even more stretched…there was a time when we could do it all but now choices have to be made.”
Police officer numbers have decreased by around 20,000 since 2010 amid budget cuts, sparking criticism from officers linking declining resources to a rise in violent crime.
Sajid Javid, the home secretary, admitted that the issue was having an impact on policing earlier this year and pledged to fight for more funding in a government spending review.