Massive security for Labour visit

Police have been conducting thorough searches of the area

Armed officers will create a secure "island" in the heart of Manchester to maintain security during the Labour party conference.

Police say they are undertaking one of the largest security operations in the UK to protect MPs and party delegates.

Teams have been searching conference venues for weeks, including drains and tunnels beneath the buildings.

Illegal immigrants found working in the city centre have also been arrested under the security crackdown.

The party conference gets under way on Saturday at the city's conference venue, Manchester Central, formerly G-Mex.

About 15,000 delegates, ministers, MPs and international press will be concentrated on a site which includes the Midland and Radisson Hotels.

We are delighted to be welcoming back the Labour Party Conference to Manchester Angie Robinson, chamber of commerce

The site will be fenced off to the general public to create a conference village, patrolled by about 1,000 police officers.

No-one will be allowed into the site without a prior Greater Manchester Police checks to make sure they do not pose a security threat.

As part of the security operation police have arrested five suspected illegal immigrants in the last few weeks.

Supt Chris Ullah, leading the operation, said: "No stone will be left unturned to ensure all the locations are completely safe.

"This is all about making sure people are who they say they are.

Workers are preparing the site in the city centre

"What we want to do is make the conference an exciting enjoyable event for everyone and provide a high-level of security without it being too intrusive for the delegates but also for the people of Manchester."

People and businesses in the city centre are being warned to expect some disruption during the conference.

But Manchester City Council says the short-term disruption will be worth it, estimating up to a £20m boost to the city's economy.

Angie Robinson, chief executive of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: "We are delighted to be welcoming back the Labour Party Conference to Manchester.

"It is great news for the city and will bring in a significant amount of money particularly for the city's hospitality and retail trade."

The Labour Party first broke with seaside tradition to bring its party conference to Manchester in 2006, in an event hailed a "resounding success" by city leaders.