Police are preparing for one of their largest operations of the year so far as Arsenal fans from across the world descend on north London to see their team’s victory parade.
The Gunners will be celebrating after securing their first Premier League title in 22 years, and could also lift the Champions League trophy if they beat Paris Saint-Germain in Saturday’s final.
Behind the scenes, officers and emergency services have been working together for months in preparation for the festivities, with the club expecting a “huge” turnout of fans.
More than 500 officers will be deployed across the mammoth operation in Islington on Sunday, with specialist search and drone teams also out in force.
The event is also expected to cause significant delays on public transport as several Tube stations and major roads are closed throughout the day.
The Metropolitan Police said they expect the vast majority of attendees to behave “safely and responsibly,” but warned they “will not tolerate” anti-social behaviour, violence or any type of criminality.
What do we know about the police operation?
The Metropolitan Police has said Sunday’s parade is expected to be one of the largest policing operations so far this year. Around 500 officers will be working across the event, including specialist drone and search teams.
The force said it is difficult to estimate numbers, but Arsenal Football Club said it is anticipating a “huge turnout”.
Commander Stuart Bell, leading the Met’s public order operation this weekend, said: “The parade is an opportunity for Arsenal supporters to celebrate, and we want everyone attending to enjoy the day safely.
“There will be a police presence along the route throughout the event, supporting event organisers and stewarding operations. Officers will respond to incidents where necessary.
“We expect the vast majority of those attending on Sunday to do so safely and responsibly.
“However, anti-social behaviour, violence or any other type of criminality will not be tolerated. Officers will take action against anyone attempting to cause disruption or harm.”
What time is the parade and where does it go?
The parade will kick off at 2pm on Sunday, but fans are expected to be arriving throughout the morning.
It will start on Holloway Road from Drayton Park, before continuing east along Seven Sisters Road and down to Blackstock Road, Mount Grove Road and Green Lanes.
It will then continue south along Petherton Road, Beresford Road, Newington Green Road and Essex Road. It will then turn north at Angel underground station and onto Upper Street.
Finally, the bus will head towards Highbury and Islington Station and back onto Holloway Road.
The Emirates Stadium, Drayton Park and the surrounding roads will be closed throughout the parade and will not be accessible to the public.
Which Tube stations and roads will be closed?
A number of nearby Tube and train stations will be closed or operating on a reduced service on the day.
Highbury & Islington: Victoria line services will not stop at the station. London Overground services will operate exit only. The station will not be step-free on the day.
Holloway Road: will be closed.
Canonbury: will operate exit only.
Finsbury Park: will be the nearest station operating both entry and exit and is recommended for supporters requiring step-free access. Queues are expected, particularly after the parade.
London Overground: Services across the area are expected to be extremely busy. Highbury & Islington and Canonbury stations will not be available after the parade due to crowd management measures.
Drayton Park and Essex Road stations will be closed on the day of the parade. There will be no Thameslink services to or from Finsbury Park through central London to Farringdon and Blackfriars due to planned engineering works.
All roads along the parade route, including side roads leading to the route, will be subject to temporary closures and parking suspensions.
You can find a full list of road closures on the Islington Council website.
