More than 2,000 police officers are on duty across London today to monitor fan events ahead of the Champions League final at Wembley, as well as at several protests.
It’s a busy day for Met Police officers as they keep an eye on Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid supporters ahead of 8pm kick off, while a protest led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson goes on at Parliament Square.
There is also a counter-protest being led by Stand Up To Racism at Whitehall. The Robinson-led protest began at 1pm and the counter-protest at midday.
Both protests are ongoing and police have set up a “buffer zone” between Parliament Square, where Robinson and his supporters have been making speeches, and Downing Street, where the counter protesters are.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, says he is protesting what he refers to as “two-tier policing,” while Stand Up To Racism counter-protesters say they are campaigning against what they deem to be “racism and Islamophobia”.
Met Police say they have identified individuals in the crowd at Robinson’s protest who “have a history of being involved in violent disorder”.
In an update on X on Saturday afternoon, they added: “A number have football banning orders and are associated with hooligan groups from London and across the UK.
“There is also an element of the crowd previously well known for involvement in anti-lockdown protests during the pandemic and associated disorder.
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“While there have not been any offences so far, a number of people in the crowd are intoxicated. The event still has a number of hours left to go.”
Met Police also said a number of people at a smaller protest in Waterloo had been arrested after attempting to block traffic. The Youth Demand protesters were demonstrating against Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza.
The Met has vowed its officers’ presence will continue to be felt into the evening, when Europe’s biggest club competition reaches its conclusion.
T/Commander Louise Puddefoot, who is leading this weekend’s policing operation, said: “We want fans visiting London for this fantastic event to have a safe and enjoyable experience.
“There will be a visible police and stewarding presence not just around Wembley but at fan zones and other events.
“Anyone who sees anything suspicious or who has concerns about safety or security should speak to an officer or a member of the stewarding team.”
A woman has suffered life-changing injuries after being stabbed by a member of the public at the accident and emergency department where she was working.
The victim – believed to be a nurse in her 50s – was attacked at Royal Oldham Hospital in Greater Manchester, where she is now being treated.
It is understood she was injured with a bladed article or a sharp instrument – and not by a knife.
Officers were called at 11.30pm on Saturday.
A 37-year-old man is in custody after being “swiftly arrested at the scene” on suspicion of attempted murder, Greater Manchester Police said.
Detectives are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident and say there is no threat to the wider public.
Jim McMahon, the Labour MP for the area, described it as a “senseless attack”.
He posted on Facebook: “We are all shocked at the senseless attack on a nurse in the A&E department of the Royal Oldham Hospital.
“Our thoughts are with the nurse, family and friends as we wish a full recovery.”
Detective Sergeant Craig Roters said it was a “serious incident which has left a woman in a critical condition”.
The victim’s family and colleagues will be supported, he added.
The local community can expect to see an “increase in police presence” while enquiries are carried out, Mr Roters said.
“We know that news of this nature will come as a shock, and if you have any concerns or anything you would like to share, please speak to [officers].”
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has called on Sir Keir Starmer to sack Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq over allegations she lived in properties linked to allies of her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, the deposed prime minister of Bangladesh.
It comes after the current Bangladeshi leader, Muhammad Yunus, said London properties used by Ms Siddiq should be investigated.
He told the Sunday Timesthe properties should be handed back to his government if they were acquired through “plain robbery”.
Tory leader Ms Badenoch said: “It’s time for Keir Starmer to sack Tulip Siddiq.
“He appointed his personal friend as anti-corruption minister and she is accused herself of corruption.
“Now the government of Bangladesh is raising serious concerns about her links to the regime of Sheikh Hasina.”
Ms Siddiq insists she has “done nothing wrong”.
Her aunt was ousted from office in August following an uprising against her 20-year leadership and fled to India.
On the same day, the prime minister said: “Tulip Siddiq has acted entirely properly by referring herself to the independent adviser, as she’s now done, and that’s why we brought into being the new code.
“It’s to allow ministers to ask the adviser to establish the facts, and yes, I’ve got confidence in her, and that’s the process that will now be happening.”
Police in Aberdeen have widened the search area for two sisters who disappeared four days ago in the city.
Eliza and Henrietta Huszti, both 32, were last seen on CCTV on Market Street after leaving their home on Tuesday at around 2.12am.
The sisters – who are part of a set of triplets and originally from Hungary – crossed the Victoria Bridge to the Torry area and turned right on to a footpath next to the River Dee.
They headed in the direction of Aberdeen Boat Club but officers said there is no evidence to suggest the missing women left the immediate area.
Specialist search teams, police dogs and a marine unit have been trying to trace the pair.
Further searches are being carried out towards the Port of Aberdeen’s South Harbour and Duthie Park.
Police Scotland said it is liaising with authorities in Hungary to support the relatives of the two sisters.
Chief Inspector Darren Bruce said: “Eliza and Henrietta’s family are understandably extremely worried about them and we are working tirelessly to find them.
“We are seriously concerned about them and have significant resources dedicated to the inquiry.”
The sisters, from Aberdeen city centre, are described as slim with long brown hair.
Officers have requested businesses in and around the South Esplanade and Menzies Road area to review their CCTV footage for the early morning of Tuesday 7 January.
Police added they are keen to hear from anyone with dashcam footage from that time.