Met prepares for New Year's Eve policing operation

Police officers across London are preparing for New Year’s Eve, one of the busiest nights of the year for the emergency services.

Officers will be on duty in all 32 boroughs, with a significant police presence in central London including Westminster and the West End which are expected to be very busy.

We’re appealing for the public to play their part by following this important advice:

· Plan your night in advance, including travel in and out of London. Check for updates before you leave home.

· Head to organised events where possible. Consider local events if you haven’t made plans to head into central London yet.

· Do not try to come to the Mayor of London’s fireworks event in central London without a ticket. It is fully sold out and you won’t be able to gain access.

· Remember Primrose Hill is closed this year and is not a viewing option. Please don’t try to gather there.

· Only call 999 in an emergency. This will be a very busy night for our call handling teams and unnecessary calls can delay us in getting urgent help to the people who need it most.

· Always stay vigilant and if you see or hear anything suspicious, please trust your instincts and report it to the police.

The Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display is the main organised event in central London. It is fully ticketed and all tickets are now sold out. There will be no access for anyone who doesn’t have a ticket.

Officers will be supporting the organisers and the stewarding teams who will have primary responsibility for crowd management and access. Anyone attempting to breach security fencing to access the event will be dealt with robustly and can expect to be arrested and prosecuted.

Commander Nick John, who is charge of the New Year’s Eve policing operation, said: “This is always one of the busiest nights of the year for us and working alongside our partners we start the planning many months ahead of time.

“We will be working closely with our emergency services colleagues to make sure Londoners and the huge number of people visiting the capital can welcome in 2026 in safety and security.

“The most visible part of our policing plan will be the officers in central London, but it extends right across the city. We’re there to provide a reassuring presence, to deter those who might want to take advantage of the crowds to commit crime and to respond decisively to any incidents.

“Please help us by being responsible and only calling 999 in a genuine emergency. Every unnecessary call – whether to the police, the ambulance service or the fire brigade – risks delaying us getting urgent help to those who need it most.

“I want to acknowledge the efforts of the police officers, police staff and all those in the emergency services who will be spending New Year’s Eve not with family and friends, but on the frontline keeping London safe. We are hugely grateful to them.”

In previous years, people have gathered at places around London known for having a view of the fireworks. One such location is Primrose Hill in Camden. This year, Primrose Hill will be closed and there will be no access to the public.

Commander John added: “The Royal Parks are urging people not to try to gather at Primrose Hill this year and we would echo those calls. Please make alternative plans. Anyone trying to access the park will find that it is not possible.

“In general our advice is to plan your evening in advance, including travel. Head to organised events where possible and don’t leave things to chance.

“We expect London to be very busy and as ever we are appealing to the public to keep their eyes and ears open. If you see or hear something that doesn’t feel right, please trust your instincts and speak to a police officer. In an emergency, always dial 999.”

Met officers will be working closely with their counterparts from the British Transport Police and the City of London Police as part of the New Year’s Eve policing operation.

Assistant Chief Constable Sean O’Callaghan, of the British Transport Police, said: “Our priority is keeping people safe across the transport network this New Year’s Eve. Anyone travelling to and around the capital can expect to see additional officers in stations and on trains, supported by armed police and search dogs. Please don’t worry if you see them out and about – they are there to keep you safe.

“We want this to be a fantastic night for all, so please celebrate responsibly, respect those around you, and only travel to the central London fireworks event if you have a ticket. Stay alert and report anything suspicious to us by texting us on 61016, or speak to a police officer.”