Police in swine flu festival plan

ACC Mike McCormick said he had drafted in extra officers for the festival

Lothian and Borders Police has made contingency plans in case there is a swine flu outbreak among staff during the Edinburgh Festival.

Assistant Chief Constable Mike McCormick said he had spoken with neighbouring forces about "borrowing" officers if his staff got the virus.

He told BBC Scotland news website he would use non-operational officers at the festival if there was an outbreak.

He said there would be an increased police presence during August.

Plain-clothed

ACC McCormick said: "We have considered the implications for us if there was a large swine flu outbreak amongst our staff during a big event such as the festival.

"We would have to borrow staff from other areas such as Fife Constabulary and Central Scotland Police as well as use our non-operational officers who, for example, work in training.

"There is also every indication the city will be busier than ever before at this year's festival. The weak pound is making us more attractive to tourists and our hotels have even more bookings.

"Therefore we have an increased police presence this year for the festival.

"We have tried to think of everything we can that could go wrong to put plans in place but everyone needs to be vigilant, if they see anyone acting oddly or suspiciously we want to know."

He also added that they are making sure there is no debris that people can use as missiles from tram work areas in the city.

He will also have "spotters", which are plain-clothed police officers, in crowds at the festival, who will report back to the control room.