Security services on high terrorist alert for Bush's British tour [View All]

[T_i_B]

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/this_britain/story.jsp?story=458996

An unprecedented security operation is being put in place to protect George Bush and his entourage from mass protests and potential terrorist attacks when they arrive in London in 19 days' time.

Scotland Yard has cancelled all police leave for the three-day trip, which will be the first state visit paid to Britain by a President of the United States in more than 80 years.

Sir John Stevens, the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, said yesterday that 50,000 to 60,000 anti-war protesters were expected to demonstrate against the American leader. Organisers of a rally in central London on 20 November said they were expecting more than 100,000 people. Opponents of the Iraq war, anti-globalists and anarchist groups are expected to join forces in opposition to the presidential visit.

There are also fears of a terrorist attack;Sir John said yesterday that Britain remained on a high security alert, and the head of MI5 has warned of an attempted strike by al-Qa'ida supporters.