"We are doing everything we can to keep London safe ."

That is the message from chief superintendent Jon Williams from the Metropolitan Police ahead of a busy bank holiday weekend of events including the FA Cup final at Wembley .

At Twickenham, The Aviva Premiership Final takes place on Saturday, with fans of all events being asked to allow extra time to access stadiums and avoid bringing bags were possible.

Members of the army join police officers outside the Palace of Westminster, London

Police numbers have been increased in the wake of the terror threat level being increased to "critical" following the terror attack in Manchester which killed 22 people.

The army has also been deployed in key areas throughout the capital.

Chief superintendent Williams, who is in charge of public order policing at the Met, said: "London is a busy and vibrant place to be on any given weekend and this weekend will be no different as the city plays host to a range of top class sporting fixtures and other events.

“Since the change in threat level we have increased our policing levels and deployed a range of different operations and tactics to best protect the capital.

"Policing operations for each event have been thoroughly reviewed with the organisers and we’ve put in place extra measures and officers.

“We are doing everything we can to keep London safe.”

Police officers will be carrying out foot patrols with borough and specialist colleagues and in patrol cars.

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A spokesman for the Met Police said: "The public will have seen more police officers than normal over the last few days as they travel to work, socialise or holiday in the capital, which will continue for as long as it is necessary."

The Met Police is working closely with both the Football Association and Wembley ahead of the FA Cup final clash between Chelsea and Arsenal.

"The focus is the safety and security of fans," chief superintendent Williams said.

"Anyone coming to the FA Cup Final or the other play off matches over the weekend will see an increase in police numbers in and around the stadium.

Armed British Transport Police Specialist Operations officers on board a Virgin train to Birmingham New Street at Euston station in London as armed police officers are patrolling on board trains nationwide for the first time

“This will include extra armed officers on foot patrol around the environs of the Stadium, and the deployment of police armoured vehicles to support road closures.

“At Twickenham rugby fans will see more armed officers on foot around the stadium.

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“If you have a ticket for any of the matches please help us out.

"Arrive earlier as there will be additional security and entry searches which may take a bit longer than fans are used to.

"Our operations will include a range of highly visible but also covert and discrete tactics and this will run far beyond the final whistle and away from specific stadia.

"This will also apply right throughout the transport network."

Chelsea FC said earlier this week they would be cancelling their planned victory parade after winning the Premier League in light of the terror attack.

The club said: "Our thoughts go out to all the victims, and their families and friends.

"In light of these tragic events, we feel it is inappropriate to go ahead with the victory parade in London on Sunday.

"Having consulted with the Metropolitan Police , Hammersmith & Fulham Council and other authorities, we know the emergency services would have been as professional as ever, but we would not want in any way to divert important resources by holding an additional, non-ticketed event on the streets of London."

Armed soldiers walk with a police officer on Whitehall as 984 military personnel have been been deployed around the country

Chief superintendent Williams added: "I would ask people to be our eyes and ears - if you see something suspicious tell a police officer or member of security staff.

“If you are out in London this weekend or at an event talk to our officers, they are there to reassure, help and keep you safe."

Anyone concerned about suspicious behaviour, or who has information they believe may help police, should call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline 0800 789 321.

They do not have to give their name and all information received via the hotline is confidential.

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