Drones, 500 officers and Tube closures: Inside one of the Met’s largest policing operations for Arsenal trophy parade

Police are preparing for one of the biggest operations of the year so far, with Arsenal fans from around the world descending on north London to see their team’s victory parade.

Arsenal will be celebrating after claiming their first Premier League title in 22 years and can 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 to prepare for the celebrations and the club is expecting a “massive” turnout from fans.

More than 500 police officers will be deployed in the massive operation in Islington on Sunday, and specialist search and drone teams will also be on duty.

The event is also expected to cause significant delays in public transport, with many metro stations and major roads closed throughout the day.

The Metropolitan Police said they expected the vast majority of attendees to behave “safely and responsibly” but warned they “will not tolerate” anti-social behaviour, violence or crime of any kind.

What do we know about the police operation?

The Metropolitan Police said Sunday’s parade was expected to be one of the biggest police operations so far this year. Around 500 officers, including specialist drone and search teams, will be working throughout the event.

The Force said it was difficult to estimate numbers but Arsenal Football Club said it was expecting a “huge turnout”.

Commander Stuart Bell, who is leading the Met’s law and order operation this weekend, said: “The parade is an opportunity to celebrate for Arsenal fans and we want everyone taking part to enjoy the day safely.

“There will be a police presence along the route throughout the event, supporting event organizers and management 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 crime will not be tolerated. Officers will take action against anyone who attempts to cause disorder or harm.”

What time is the parade and where does it go?

The parade will start at 2pm on Sunday, but fans are expected to arrive in the morning as well.

It will start from Drayton Park on Holloway Road, then head east along Seven Sisters Road towards Blackstock Road, Mount Grove Road and Green Lanes.

It will then continue southwards along Petherton Road, Beresford Road, Newington Green Road and Essex Road. It will then turn north from Angel tube station and onto Upper Street.

Finally, the bus will proceed towards Highbury and Islington Station and return to Holloway Road.

Emirates Stadium, Drayton Park and surrounding roads will be closed and inaccessible to the public throughout the parade.

Which metro stations and roads will be closed?

Some nearby metro and train stations will be closed or operating with reduced service that day.

Highbury and Islington: Victoria line services will not stop at the station. London Underground services will operate at the exit only. The station will not be step-free during the day.

Holloway Road: It will be closed.

Canonbury: It will only work on exit.

Finsbury Park: It will be the closest station that handles both entry and exit and is recommended for fans requiring step-free access. Queues are expected to form, especially after the march.

London Overground: Services in the region are expected to be extremely busy. Due to crowd management measures, Highbury & Islington and Canonbury stations will not be available after the parade.

Drayton Park and Essex Road stations will be closed on the day of the parade. Due to planned engineering works, there will be no Thameslink service to and from Finsbury Park via central London to Farringdon and Blackfriars.

All roads along the parade route, including side roads leading to the route, will be temporarily closed and subject to parking fines.

You can find the full list of road closures at. Islington Council website.