West Ham v Millwall: Massive police operation for London derby

A massive police operation before the West Ham - Millwall game kept peace on our streets this morning.

Mounted police officers and a not-so-thin blue line of colleagues kept things quiet.

All local pubs were asked to shut to prevent any problems. The normally busy Boleyn was boarded up before the game kicked off at 12.30pm.

Fans of bothfootball clubs are being warned by police to behave when the London teams meet this weekend for a match marred by violence in the past.

Scotland Yard said it had liaised closely with both clubs to ensure the match will be safe and trouble-free.

While there is no information around disorder being organised, the Met, British Transport Police and other agencies put ina pan-London operation in place for match day.

Police officers will be at Upton Park and throughout London for the duration of the game.

They will also employ a range of tactics to identify and target potential troublemakers.

Borough Acting Commander Chief Supt Sean Vickers, match commander for the event, said: “The Met has a great deal of experience in policing high-profile football matches in London and whilst we want everyone to enjoy this game we will not tolerate any troublemakers. We have been working closely with Millwall and West Ham for several months and together we know we can deliver an event that legitimate football fans will enjoy.

“We appreciate a healthy rivalry between clubs but anything which deviates from this will be dealt with quickly and robustly. There will be no excuses; if you are intent on trouble you will be targeted by our officers and dealt with.”

A Scotland Yard spokesman said the operation had gone well upto kick off.