The Met are pledging to ensure this year’s New Year’s Eve festivities pass off peacefully in central London, with thousands expected to make the annual pilgrimage to watch the fireworks.
Police will be working alongside the organisers of the main fireworks display, which takes place around South Bank and Victoria Embankment.
The event is fully sold out and there will be no access to anyone without tickets.
Stewarding teams will have primary responsibility for crowd control, but there will also be a highly visible police presence, with officers ready to respond to any incidents requiring their intervention.
This year the non-profit organisation Safer Spaces will once again be supporting the Met to prevent and respond to incidents of violence against women and girls and all forms of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
The team, which is supported by the Mayor of London’s office, will be providing a safe and supported space in Waterloo station, as well as specialist outreach support throughout the event.
Anyone who feels unsafe, uncomfortable, or who has been subject to any form of harm and for whatever reason does not feel comfortable approaching a police officer, can look out for the outreach team or drop in to see them at Waterloo. The service is independent of the police.
While much of the attention will inevitably be on central London, the Met’s policing operation spans all 32 London boroughs with officers on duty in communities right across the city providing reassurance and responding to emergency calls.
Commander Nick John, who is leading the New Year’s Eve policing operation, said: “We have been working with our partners for many months in preparation for tomorrow.
“New Year’s Eve is always a night where demand is greater and I want to acknowledge the efforts of Met officers, staff, volunteers and Special Constables – as well as our colleagues in the other emergency services – who will be away from their families working hard to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable night.
“London is expected to be exceptionally busy, particularly in the West End and surrounding areas. Please plan your evening ahead of time, including your journey home. Where possible, we would encourage people to attend organised events.
“Anyone planning to come into the centre of London should be aware that the main fireworks display on the Embankment is a fully ticketed event and is sold out.
“Regrettably in recent years we have seen an increase in incidents where a minority have tried to illegally force entry into ticketed events, putting everyone’s safety at risk. Anyone trying to gain entry in this way tomorrow could be arrested and could face prosecution.”
Picture: Wikimedia Commons/Christine Matthews: Wiki page HERE