Police 'all set' at Silverstone ahead of the British Grand Prix
Police say more than 450,000 are expected to attend the event over the course of the weekend
It's qualifying day for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
Yesterday saw the track welcome the first Formula 1 fans ahead of tomorrow's race. The circuit lies close to areas of Buckinghamshire, including Buckingham and Milton Keynes.
Northamptonshire Police are in day 3 of their special policing operation at the circuit, with more than 450,000 people expected to attend over the course of the weekend.
British drivers for Mercedes, Stevenage's Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, as well as McLaren's Lando Norris will all be hoping to qualify in pole position, or at least end up at the front of the grid for tomorrow's Grand Prix.
160,000 are set to attend the race tomorrow, with police presence hoping to prevent further protests after last years race.
Six protesters were arrested for a track incursion after entering the live track at the start of the F1 race last year. They received suspended prison sentences at Northampton Crown Court after been found guilty of causing a public nuisance.
Extra policing powers are in place throughout the events this year and new policing powers will also be used, according to police, if anyone attempt to unlawfully disrupt the event.
In a statement from Northamptonshire Police, they said: "Uniformed officers, plain-clothed detectives, PCSOs and Special Constables will be patrolling the circuit, the campsites, and the surrounding road network, along with specialist resources including overt armed officers, search teams, disruption officers and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) units."
Leading the policing operation is Event Commander for Northamptonshire Police, Detective Superintendent Richard Tompkins.
He said: “People have already started arriving and setting up for this year’s British Grand Prix and we are ready to ensure everyone has an enjoyable, safe, and crime-free experience both at Silverstone and while visiting our county.
“Alongside uniformed officers, PCSOs, police staff, specials, and volunteers, we will also have detectives, armed officers, and specialist search dogs and their handlers, patrolling the circuit, the campsites and local area throughout the event.
“With more than 450,000 people expected to attend this year’s event, the security measures that are in place are as stringent as ever. Our priority is to keep the public safe and arresting those who attend the event with the intention of committing crime.
“With that aim in mind, I would like to remind anyone who may be thinking of bringing flares, smoke bombs or pyrotechnics to Silverstone that these items will be confiscated, and you will be refused entry as well as be subject to police scrutiny.
“We would also like to remind people that there is a 2.3-mile flying restriction cordon in place around the circuit’s heliport including many of the campsites, which means drones are strictly prohibited.”
The force is also encouraging people to be wary of ticket thieves, and to report anything suspicious they feel is going to during the event to police or the Silverstone security team.
He said: “With a record-breaking crowd expected over the four days, we would advise against anyone turning up without a ticket, and I would also ask Formula 1 fans to be aware of people selling counterfeit tickets.
“We would also ask people to stay vigilant and be aware of their surroundings. We would also recommend they look at the crime prevention and safety advice on our website and do all they can to prepare for their visit.
“The most important thing is that if you spot something which does not feel right, trust your gut instinct, and report it to us, or a member of the Silverstone team, straightaway. We would rather it be nothing than you have not told us at all.”
It's lights out tomorrow at 3pm