Met Police prepares armoured vehicles and 4,000 officers for dual London protests

The Metropolitan Police has warned that it is preparing for potential violence and hate speech crimes across two protests in London this Saturday. More than 4,000 officers will be drafted in to police the rival events - possibly one of the largest protest deployment in decades - amid fears that far-right demonstrators could clash with pro-Palestine marchers if the two groups are not kept apart. In addition, tens of thousands of football fans are also expected at Wembley Stadium for the FA Cup Final, adding further pressures on the capital's police. Scotland Yard said the risks meant it had to impose the highest degree of control. Measures the Met is planning include the first authorisation of live facial recognition cameras at a demonstration.