Police inside London Stadium to support stewards

The Metropolitan Police will be inside the London Stadium today to support Stadium Operators LS185 and stewards to prevent any crime and disorder as West Ham face Stoke at 3pm this afternoon.

A statement from the Met police says:

“We are working with partners to prevent crime and disorder and can confirm that officers will be deployed within the stadium to support stadium stewards throughout the match. Although Airwave radio is not yet installed at the venue, a tactical measure will be in place to ensure adequate airwave coverage for safe deployment of officers within the stadium.”

Before the Chelsea EFL cup match which saw trouble the Met said:

“The MPS has a tactical solution for matches being held at the London Stadium which will allow the safe deployment of officers into the stadium, if required, to deal with any crime or disorder. The MPS, working with London Stadium and Airwave, are confident that a full in-building radio solution will be operational at the London Stadium in February 2017.”

However, ClaretandHugh were previously told at a Met Police Football unit meeting prior to the Chelsea match that the Police had no intention of entering the stadium on a regular basis unless called upon to deal with any reports of crimes or public disorder. The troubles seen at the Chelsea match seems to have revised that strategy.