Police prepare for anti-war rally

The rally will disrupt much of central London

Police in London say a protest rally planned for Saturday could be one of the biggest demonstrations in recent years and will stretch resources.

The Stop the War coalition march to protest against military action against Iraq is expected to draw 500,000 people to the capital, according to Scotland Yard.

It comes days after 1,700 police officers were drafted in to patrol Heathrow Airport following increased fears of a terrorist threat.

The Metropolitan Police has told the BBC the rally will stretch its resources and 3,500 police will be on duty.

We are stretched, because it's not just the (anti-terrorist) operations going on - there's the rest of the policing in the capital going on to

DAC Andy Trotter
Met Police

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Trotter told BBC News: "We could be seeing one of the biggest demonstrations in recent years in the capital on Saturday.

"That's obviously a really big challenge for us, trying to move that number of people from starting points to Hyde Park. It's a big operation."

There will be two marches starting at 1230 GMT which will converge at Piccadilly and then travel to Hyde Park for a rally.

Speakers include American race campaigner, the Reverend Jesse Jackson, Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy and playwright Harold Pinter.

Policing challenge

The demonstration is being jointly organised by the Stop the War Coalition, Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and the Muslim Association of Britain

Mr Trotter added: "The relationship with the organisers has been extremely good and we hope that we've a peaceful demonstration and people complete the day safely."

He said there had been months of preparation and all leave had been cancelled.

Speakers and musicians

Rev Jesse Jackson (pictured)

Michael Foot

Mo Mowlam

Bianca Jagger

Damon Albarn

Ms Dynamite

Charles Kennedy

Harold Pinter

Ken Livingstone

Tony Benn

"We are stretched, because it's not just the operations going on - there's the rest of the policing in the capital going on too.

"It's a challenge for us, but we're up for it."

He urged the public to help the police by staying alert and to report anything suspicious.

Mr Trotter warned that some Tube stations will be shut and advised people to wrap up warm in preparation for a long day.

The rally in the park is estimated to finish at 1730 GMT.

The march is part of a co-ordinated anti-war effort around the world.

In the UK, there is a demonstration planned in Glasgow, to coincide with Prime Minister Tony Blair's speech to Scottish Labour Party members.