Police made just 67 arrests in London during the Queen’s funeral yesterday (Sept. 19), which saw over 15,000 officers and 1,500 soldiers take part in the biggest security operation in the UK.
More than 3,000 specialist units—including motorbike escort riders, dog teams and the marine unit—took part in a “hugely complex” task, according to Metropolitan Police deputy assistant commissioner, Stuart Cundy. He added that the late sovereign’s funeral was the “largest policing operation” in the forces’ history, surpassing coverage for the Platinum Jubilee weekend and the London 2012 Olympics, in which an estimated 250,000 people paid their respects during the Queen’s Lying-in-State at Westminster Hall.
Described as “the biggest operation that we’re likely to mount in the UK” by former counter-terrorism police chief Nick Aldworth, officers and security services remained on stand by to the prospect of knife attacks, bombs and all other possible terror threats or incidents.
Rooftop snipers were in place while the cortege moved, accompanied by a helicopter escort outside the capital, while barriers ensured crowds remained controlled and key areas secure.
