Police are "likely to apply for extra powers to stop and search people at this weekend's Champions League final," according to the BBC. About 170,000 people are expected in Cardiff over four days around the match between Real Madrid and Juventus. South Wales Police Assistant Chief Constable Richard Lewis said that the force "could invoke temporary powers allowing officers to search anyone without the usual reasonable grounds." He described safety and security at the event as "our absolute aim." Lewis added, "We have powers to stop and search every day of the week and we will be utilizing these, but we can also apply for extra powers to allow us to stop and search specifically in an area which we may apply for and use this weekend" (BBC, 5/30). SKY SPORTS' Rory O'Callaghan reported detection dogs have patrolled the Principality Stadium ahead of Saturday's "showpiece" event, while "even the sewers and drains close to the ground have been inspected by security forces." Lewis warned supporters to expect a "large police presence." Lewis said, "Two-thousand deployments of police officers of a full range -- overt, covert, all sorts. Police officers with a range of different skills. We've built in security around the city. Vehicle mitigation barriers to prevent vehicles coming into the city center [and] fans will be told no bags in the stadium" (SKY SPORTS, 5/31).
CARDIFF AIRPORT: The BBC's Jordan Davies reported an "extra 24,000 passengers will pass through Cardiff Airport in 24 hours this weekend as fans arrive for the Champions League final." It will receive the majority of passengers flying into the U.K., while rail services are also "braced for an influx of fans." Cardiff Airport's air traffic service said that the operation was "unprecedented." About 100 private jets from Budapest, Paris, Madrid and the Middle East will land at the site in Rhoose, Vale of Glamorgan, over the weekend, and "11,000 temporary parking spaces are being created" (BBC, 5/31).
EPSOM DERBY: In London, Sinha & Young reported organizers promised a "robust security operation" for this weekend's Epsom Derby in the wake of the recent Manchester attack. The "world's most famous Classic" is set to take place on June 2 and 3, "just 11 days on from the bombing at Manchester Arena" which saw 22 people lose their lives. Around 100,000 will attend the Epsom Downs Racecourse over two days in Surrey, including Queen Elizabeth for the 4:30pm Derby on Saturday, and a "heightened presence of armed officers will be on duty." In a statement, organizers said, "We work closely with Surrey Police to deliver a safe event each year for all to enjoy and in partnership we will be delivering a highly robust security operation together on 2nd and 3rd June" (EVENING STANDARD, 5/31). In Surrey, Katy Clifton reported Surrey Police Chief Superintendent Jerry Westerman said, "People attending will notice tighter security measures and firearms officers in and around the Derby grounds, which we feel people have a right to expect and are commonly seen at large events of this type." Although the Derby will have tightened security, Westerman added, "I would like to stress that this is not in response to any specific intelligence in relation to the event" (GET SURREY, 5/31).
