Prepare for riots, firms warned

Political campaigners and extremist groups are planning demonstrations across London to raise awareness on issues such as poverty and the war in Iraq, in the days running up the G20 meeting at the Excel on April 2.

Head of risk management at Crisis Survivor Bill May said: "Businesses should not underestimate the real threat that political extremists can pose.

"Although they will be targeting the financial institutions, as has been seen with many riots in the past, things often get out of control, leaving local businesses and their staff taking the full brunt.

"We strongly advise businesses situated close to these institutions to reassess their continuity plans and prepare for the worst."

The advice comes as police are warning residents around the Excel to expect stringent security checks in the days before the G20 event.

Supt Gary Buttercase of Newham Police said: "The security implications for this event will regrettably cause a number of disruptions to your daily activities between March 31 and April 2.

"The full extent of these disruptions will be clarified in due course but it's fair to say your access in and out of your homes and vehicles is likely to be affected."

Security cordons will be put up and residents are being advised to carry two forms of ID if they want to get through easily. Public meetings would be arranged.

Spt Buttercase said: "We apologise that our actions will impact on your personal lives and hope you appreciate the nature of this event has significant security implications that we must address."

Marches are being advertised in central London the weekend before the summit.
Plans are also being made for demonstrations at the Excel on the day of the meeting.

David Wilson, a spokesman for Stop The War Coalition, which is planning events on both April 1 and 2, said: "We will be assembling at the Excel centre at 11am.

"We don't know any more as we don't know what the security arrangements will allow us to do."

When asked if the protest would be non-violent, he said: "Yes, definitely. The group has always been based on peaceful protest."