MPF: ‘Unprecedented numbers of UK officers pulled from all over' to protect Donald Trump

An anticipated 200 Police Support Units will be drafted in to stop any planned protests turning violent when the controversial US president lands on UK soil.

Hundreds of authorised firearms’ officers will also be on duty along with dozens of Counter-Terrorism Specialist Firearms Officers on standby.

It is understood some 40 police cars and motorbike outriders have been demanded whenever Mr Trump travels by road, to shield him from possible assassination attempts.

Because of the nature of the spectacle Mr Trump creates, intelligence-led policing expect to be dealing with demonstrations both ‘for’ and ‘against’ his presence in the UK.

Chief constables have told officers to prepare to be sent across the country to help out in areas where the president is due to visit as part of Operation Manifold, the Metropolitan Police Federation (MPF) told Police Professional.

MPF chairman Ken Marsh added: “Remember in this, there are no extra police officers – just the same ones working longer hours, having rest days cancelled and being moved from other areas.

“These cops will have to come from somewhere.”

And he confirmed that “there will be 10,000 police officers pulled from across the country protecting the US president during his visit”, adding: “This is unprecedented in terms of numbers.”

Critics are worried the operation will leave the rest of the country without adequate security – especially in London where 77 suspected murders have taken place this year.

Former City of London Police Counter Terrorism and Public Order Department head and Surrey police and crime commissioner Kevin Hurley fears the visit will be a significant drain on visible policing – stripping out resources from surrounding forces – all due to the president’s current profile increasing the likely opposition.

Mr Trump is due to arrive into the UK at Stansted Airport on July 12.

It is understood rather than the full State-visit hubris, he will largely be kept away from central London where large protests are expected.

When he arrives, he will reportedly be flown in his Marine One helicopter to the US Ambassador’s residence in Regent’s Park before having dinner at Blenheim Palace.

The next day, he is expected to hold talks with Theresa May at the Prime Minister’s country retreat, Chequers, before meeting the Queen informally at Windsor Castle.

The visits to Blenheim, Chequers and Windsor fall to Thames Valley Police to cover.

TVP Federation chair Craig O’Leary said that coming off the back of nuptials of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle his members were “more than prepared” for the visit “even though it could be bigger than the Royal wedding”.

On his last day, the president is expected to visit his Turnberry golf course in Scotland before heading home.

But Scottish Police Federation general secretary Calum Steele told Police Professional on Tuesday (June 26): “It is unclear at this moment in time whether Donald Trump will be visiting Scotland.”

And ahead of the anticipated furore, he added: “As far as I am aware leave has not been cancelled by the service.”

Mr Trump is also set to bring his own ranks of Secret Service agents as well as a fleet of bomb-proof Cadillacs – in which his entourage will travel.