Greater Manchester Policing is dispatching hundreds of police officers to London to boost security ahead of the state funeral at Westminster Abbey on Monday.
Among the GMP contingent are armed police and personal protection officers as well as regular cops, many of whom have already arrived in the capital before the arrival of the Queen's body, which today (Tuesday) will be moved south from Edinburgh to lay in state at Westminster Abbey from 5pm on Wednesday until the morning of the funeral.
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected in the capital and police forces across the country - including GMP - have responded to a request from the Metropolitan Police Service for 'mutual aid' - extra police officers to ensure security for a huge national event.
The exodus of GMP officers south is the reason Sunday's Premier League match between Manchester United and Leeds at Old Trafford, considered a 'high risk' fixture which requires a higher number of police officers, had to be postponed. There weren't enough officers left to both police the event and continue with regular policing across Greater Manchester.
The M.E.N. understands GMP officers have already been dispatched, some of them north to Scotland to help as crowds visit the late Queen's body in St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh while others have travelled to London to assist security in the capital. More will follow.
Visiting officers are being put up in hotels, unlike previous 'mutual aid' events in London like the Olympics and instances of civil unrest when cops often found themselves sleeping on camp beds in gym halls.
GMP officers, and other visiting officers, are being used to stand on fixed points or to head out on patrol, frequently clocking up twelve hours for a single shift.
The force will bill the Met for the resources it sends to London but ultimately the cost is expected to be met by a Home Office special policing grant.
Meanwhile, Union Jack flags on police stations across Greater Manchester remain at half mast and portraits of the late Queen which hang in every police station have been adorned with a black ribbon. Police officers who joined in the last 70 years have sworn an oath to the Queen. New arrivals will now swear an oath to the King.
Final preparations for events in London following the death of the Queen are already underway with a full rehearsal for the procession of her coffin to Westminster Hall taking place in central London. Thousands of soldiers in ceremonial uniform gathered at Buckingham Palace in the early hours of Tuesday for the practice run.
The Queen’s coffin will arrive in London from Scotland on Tuesday evening, and will remain in the Bow Room at Buckingham Palace overnight before being taken to lie in state at Westminster Hall from Wednesday.
Announcing the postponement of Sunday's United-Leeds match, Chief Inspector Nicholas Hill, of GMP’s Specialist Operations Planning Unit, said: “Greater Manchester Police is supporting forces across the United Kingdom in keeping people safe at locations and events of high-significance following the passing of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
"We have plans in place to ensure we can provide this support whilst effectively serving our own communities.
“We are also working with partner agencies to consider the viability of un-related but exceptionally large events in Greater Manchester. This includes the Manchester United vs. Leeds fixture, which has been postponed with the support of the Safety Advisory Group and the club.”
Following news of her death, Chief Constable Stephen Watson said: "The news that the long and dutiful reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is over has inspired in us all an overwhelming sense of profound sadness.
"Her Majesty served our country and the Commonwealth with enormous distinction and unparalleled dedication. Her Majesty embodied so much that we all aspire to be and, on behalf of Greater Manchester Police, I offer sincere condolences to the Royal Family. As proud servants of the Crown, we will continue to draw upon the inspiration provided by her Majesty’s example of exemplary public service and duty.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family. God Save The King."
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