Donald Trump's huge police entourage holds up traffic in Camden as he drives into London for Nato summit

Read our live updates on Donald Trump's UK visit HERE
Rebecca Speare-Cole3 December 2019

Donald Trump's huge police entourage was seen driving through Camden after he landed at Stansted Airport ahead of the two day Nato summit.

Police motorbikes held up traffic as a convoy of at least a dozen armed vehicles could be seen driving past The Camden Head pub and Halifax on the corner of Pratt Street and Camden High Street on Monday night.

A ring of steel was throw around the US leader and the First Lady as they arrived at the north London transport hub shortly before 10pm.

The US President and his wife Melania touched down in Air Force One before travelling into London to Winfield House where they will stay for the short visit.

Donald Trump arrives in London

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Specialist firearms officers were seen gathered at the airport ahead of Mr Trump’s arrival. Police will be on high alert after last week’s London Bridge attack, a counter terrorism expert said.

Helicopters will also be seen overhead on Tuesday as Mr Trump travels in a motorcade of armoured vehicles to a Buckingham Palace reception.

The Queen, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will formally greet the Nato leaders at the reception, which marks 70 years of the alliance.

Road closures will be put in place to prevent demonstrators getting close to the motorcade. A protest is planned outside the palace on Tuesday afternoon by NHS workers.

Former Detective Chief Inspector Chris Phillips, who headed the National Counter Terrorism Security Office, said: “This will be a major security operation and they will always make sure nothing is missed. There are tried and tested plans for Trump visits.”

On Wednesday, Mr Trump, Boris Johnson and other world leaders will gather for talks at the Grove Hotel in Chandler’s Cross near Watford.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania arrive at Stansted Airport
REUTERS

Mr Johnson will break off from election campaigning to host the gathering of Nato leaders which marks the alliance's 70th anniversary.

At past Nato meetings, Mr Trump has berated European leaders for failing to contribute more to the costs of collective defence.

While aboard Air Force One, he tweeted that Nato spending had increased by 130 billion dollars since he had taken office.

He said: "The number of Nato allies fulfilling their obligations more than doubled."

President Donald Trump, waves from his car as he and US first lady Melania Trump arrive at Stansted Airport
AP

Mr Trump received a ceremonial welcome and a banquet at Buckingham Palace during his state visit to the UK in June.

The American leader was met by tens of thousands of protesters in London before he attended a D-Day commemoration service in Portsmouth.

He later boasted about having "automatic chemistry" with the Queen, and praised her as a "spectacular woman".

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