London police are on heightened alert this weekend, facing the combined threat of possible terrorist attack and civil disobedience alongside the first large-scale protests since the start of the war in Iraq. Frank Millar in London, reports
And while church leaders offered prayers for early and just peace in Iraq and throughout the Middle East, shoppers appear to have taken the government's advice to stock up on tinned foods and bottled water as part of their contingency planning for any terrorist backlash against British involvement in the war.
Accusing schoolchildren of playing truant and wasting police time, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir John Stevens, yesterday expressed concern that "wildcat protests" - such as that outside Parliament on Thursday - could divert already stretched police resources from other vital tasks in the capital.
In addition to ongoing counter-terrorist measures, the police have identified a number of key military establishments which could become the focal point of anti-war protests. The Met is also paying special attention to mosques and synagogues.
Appealing to parents to work with teachers in dissuading young people from carrying out further protests, Sir John said the police were committed to facilitate peaceful and democratic protest but that ad-hoc demonstrations drew police away from other important duties at this time.
Stop the War Coalition organisers of today's march to Hyde Park said they did not expect anything like the one million estimated to have attended the previous anti-war protest in London, not least because they had had just three days in which to organise.
However, they are plainly hoping that any reduction in the numbers in London will be balanced by the attendance at other anti-war events in a Day of Action across Britain.
Other reports last night suggested that upwards of 500,000 people could again take to the streets and all police leave has been cancelled. Some 20 people have been arrested over London protests.