Huge security operation for Bush visit
Police have launched a huge security operation around Westminster Abbey for the visit of US President George W Bush later today.
Hundreds of officers in fluorescent yellow jackets have swamped the area around the ancient church, where Mr Bush is due to attend a wreath-laying ceremony.
His visit has been the focus of anti-war demonstrations as thousands of protesters are expected to converge on central London later today.
Outside the Abbey armed officers patrolled the perimeter of the building.
Dressed in black uniforms, the officers, with Heckler and Koch sub-machine guns and handguns on hip pockets, toured the area outside the Abbey.
Metal crash barriers have been erected all along roads leading up to the area, which is lined at 50-yard intervals with more police officers.
Other squads of police have been checking drains and grids in the area to look for suspicious devices.
Any morning workers passing the Abbey are politely asked to keep walking by officers.
Traffic around the adjoining Parliament Square has not been stopped and is moving relatively freely despite the heavy presence of police vans and patrol cars in the area.
The permanent “Peace Camp” on the square facing parliament is all but deserted with no sign of any protesters yet.
Police are now conducting last minute security sweeps of the area ahead of Mr Bush’s visit in about an hour’s time.
