Facial recognition cameras set to scan crowds at King’s coronation as 11,500 police deployed

The Metropolitan police is set to deploy live facial recognition cameras as part of ramped up security measures for King Charles III’s coronation.

The force has said it intends to use the technology in central London and in order to identify people who may be deemed a threat to public safety.

A statement said: “We intend to use facial recognition technology in central London. The watch list will be focused on those whose attendance on Coronation Day would raise public protection concerns, including those wanted for offences or have an outstanding warrant for arrest issued by the courts, or those under relevant offender management programmes in order to keep the public safe.”

The move is among the security measures the force is using under Operation Golden Orb across the coronation weekend. More than 11,500 police officers will be deployed on the day of the Coronation, including specialist officers from the armed unit and dogs unit.

Officers will line the route, manage crowds and road closures, protect high profile individuals and carry out searches with specialist teams

“Our tolerance for any disruption, whether through protest or otherwise, will be low. We will deal robustly with anyone intent on undermining this celebration,” the force added.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said it was the largest number of officers deployed to an event in decades.

“We have been planning for this occasion for some time; the Met has a long history of policing such events and we will draw upon our diverse expertise from across our organisation, using officers and specialist units to keep people safe and tackle any arising issues.”

This story is being updated.