Tight security planned for royal visit

SUFFOLK'S Royal visit this week will prompt one of the biggest security operations the county has ever seen, it emerged today.More than 400 officers will police the hugely anticipated event on Wednesday, which is expected to be witnessed by tens of thousands of people in Ipswich, Stowmarket and Bury St Edmunds.

SUFFOLK'S Royal visit this week will prompt one of the biggest security operations the county has ever seen, it emerged today.

More than 400 officers will police the hugely anticipated event on Wednesday, which is expected to be witnessed by tens of thousands of people in Ipswich, Stowmarket and Bury St Edmunds.

The visit has been planned with military-style precision, and civic leaders say everything is set for the big occasion.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh arrive in Ipswich on Wednesday morning, and thousands of well-wishers are expected to line the streets as the procession passes through the town shortly after 11.30am. They will then head to Stowmarket and Bury St Edmunds.

A spokesman for Suffolk police said yesterday: "More than 400 police officers will be involved. Obviously, the aim is to ensure the day goes safely for everyone who is involved. That includes the Royal party, and members of the public who are coming to watch.

"Our aim is to make sure it is a day the people of Suffolk will remember warmly."

He confirmed it was the biggest policing operation mounted in the county for a number of years.