Police on red alert over visit from US president

10:54am Thursday 20th November 2003

UP TO 100 police officers in Enfield are on standby to be deployed to the capital in the wake of the controversial visit of US president George W Bush.

Mr Bush was due to arrive in the country last night with a large entourage before being welcomed by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace.

His visit is expected to be punctuated with protests by anti-war campaigners, and up to 14,000 police officers may be required to police events.

Enfield's borough commander Chief Supt Simon O'Brien has been asked to put approximately 100 officers on stand-by for action if there is "serious disorder" in central London.

All annual leave has been cancelled for officers for the next three days, leaving the full compliment of police officers on the streets of Enfield.

Chief Supt O'Brien's right-hand man, Supt Bill Woodhall, worked in the diplomatic protection unit before transferring to Enfield. He is due to be "heavily involved" in the personal protection of Mr Bush during his time in the UK.

Speaking to the Independent yesterday, Supt Woodhall said: "All London boroughs have been asked to do the same as Enfield. We are deploying these 100 officers throughout the borough which will improve the quality of life of Enfield people, until the officers are called to central London in case of serious disorder."

Meanwhile, peace protesters across the borough were set to demonstrate against the visit of Mr Bush today.

Enfield Peace Alliance was set to perform a play outside the Civic Centre in Silver Street between 12.15pm and 2pm.

Pat Mattingley, of the Peace Alliance, said: "We are all concerned at the timing of the visit when we are hearing of the deaths of military personnel daily. I think the money spent on policing the demonstration could be better spent in other ways."

Later on today, a demonstration is planned between 4pm and 7pm at the Great Cambridge Roundabout in Enfield. Protesters plan to give out leaflets asking people to join the larger demonstration in London on Thursday.

Elaine Graham-Leigh, of the Stop The War campaign, said: "We think it is disgusting that President Bush is being honoured by a state visit and a celebratory procession. They talk about democracy but pay no attention to what ordinary people think."