Police from Scotland travel to London to support officers ahead of the Queen's funeral

Officers from Scotland have travelled to London to support British Transport Police ahead of the Queen’s funeral.

Rail services are expected to be very busy in the coming days, with the funeral taking place on Monday, September 19.

A large police operation is already underway in the city, with tens of thousands of people queuing to pay their respects to the late monarch at Westminster Hall.

High numbers of people have made their way to the UK capital to mark the occasion.

Officers from British Transport Scotland have been called in from across England, Scotland and Wales to support the security operation in place.

It includes carrying out constant high visibility and plain clothed patrols at main transport hubs and train routes.

Specialist resources have already been deployed including armed officers and search dogs.

Rail passengers are being urged to remain vigilant while travelling on the network and to report any concerns by texting BTP on 61016 or by using the Railway Guardian app to report any suspicions.

In emergency situations, people are reminded to always dial 999.

Passengers have also been encouraged to plan ahead and to check for live travel information ahead of setting out.

Assistant chief constable Sean O’Callaghan, explained that the action being taken is part of a comprehensive policing plan.

“It’s very important that people are able to pay their respects to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and be able to do so with the full support and dedicated security provided by police services,” he said.

“BTP is committed to ensuring the safety of everyone travelling, and to do that we’ve deployed more officers and more specialist resources throughout main transport hubs and routes, especially in London and Windsor.

“This is all part of our comprehensive policing plan and not something that should cause concern.

“We ask people using the network over the coming days to please remain vigilant and report any concerns to an officer, a member of staff or through our contact numbers.”