DORSET Police officers are on call to assist other areas, including London, during the coming days.

The force says it will not comment on specific numbers, or the capablities of officers likely to be involved in Operation London Bridge, the name given to the Queen’s funeral arrangements.

In the past, for larger national events, Dorset officers have been used in the capital, and other areas, to support police and security colleagues. Specialist officer, inlcuding dog units and firearms officers, are usually in high demand at such times.

Dorset Police say the force is very much a part of the national Mutual Aid programme, used to share officers and to make sure policing can meet increased demand.

Said a statement from the Dorset force: “The National Police Coordination Centre (NPoCC) manages requests for mutual aid. Mutual aid requests are made based on a strategic threat and risk assessment of incidents and the length of mobilisation will depend on the circumstances of the incident.

During Operation London Bridge, it is expected that the overall policing operation will last for between 10-14 days, involving support from forces across the UK and utilising multiple policing capabilities. NPoCC has tried and tested plans to deliver mutual aid at a national level.

“We have business continuity plans in place to ensure the Force is prepared to assist with this operation in addition to continuing our core service to the public, keeping our communities safe.”