Tommy Robinson march latest: Met Police warns of major disruption as thousands of protesters descend on London

Thousands of police officers are preparing for an “unprecedented” security operation to avoid clashes between Tommy Robinson’s Unite the Kingdom march and the pro-Palestine “Nakba Day” rally in London.

Police estimate about 80,000 people will attend the marches, plus thousands of football fans will descend on the capital for the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, making it one of the busiest policing days in years.

Around 4,000 officers are expected to be on duty on Saturday, with 660 being drafted in from forces outside the Met. Armoured vehicles, police horses, dogs, drones and helicopters will also be on hand.

While law-abiding protesters will be protected, anyone attempting to “break the law and create chaos” should expect to “feel the full force of the law”, Downing Street has said.

Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman said the operation was taking place against a backdrop of “continued global instability and tension”, increased antisemitism, concerns within Jewish and Muslim communities, and a severe terrorism threat level.

Paula Dodds, the federation’s chairwoman, said many officers have had leave cancelled and rest days withdrawn to meet policing requirements, adding: “There are not enough of us.”