Sporting events are likely to get back to normal from today following the death of the Queen but security remains a top priority.

All football matches were postponed at the weekend, partly out of respect for the Queen’s passing but over concerns that police resources, especially in the capital, might be stretched.

International cricket at The Oval, PGA golf and elite rugby went ahead as planned.

England’s final match of the summer against South Africa was reduced to three days but with all perimeter advertising removed.

The national period of mourning lasts until the State Funeral on 19 September.

A statement from the National Police Chiefs’ Council said: “UK Policing is working closely with other organisations to ensure events are held safely and with the appropriate security.

“Following the decisions of the Premier League and English Football League to cancel this weekend’s matches, we will work with football clubs to try and ensure that, where possible, football fixtures can take place safely when balanced against the requirement to support national events and deliver day to day policing.

“This is a unique situation and we are working closely with everyone involved.”

As SJUK reported last week, more than 10,000 police officers will be required daily in the approach to the State Funeral, which will include a four-day lying in state which is expected to attract hundreds of thousands around the clock.

With world leaders and senior dignitaries flying in for the funeral, security expert Philip Ingram MBE said the threat levels will be “through the roof”.

Security will fall principally to the Metropolitan Police but is like to draft in extra personnel from nighbouring forces in the Home Counties.

Specialist firearms officers from across the UK will be seconded to the capital.

Mr Ingram says the funeral has been rehearsed, in sections, many times in the dead of night in London in preparation for the State Funeral.

The Queen died in Balmoral last Thursday and was immediately succeeded by her son, Prince Charles. He now is now King Charles lll.

http://The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC)