Local police officers who lent a hand at the Coronation have been praised

A total of 46 West Mercia Police officers from across the region travelled to London to help keep the public safe during the crowning of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion thanked the officers for their service.

He said: “We saw the very best of policing over the coronation weekend.

"Police officers from across the country worked tirelessly to ensure the public they serve were protected.

“I am extremely proud officers from West Mercia Police played their part in the successful policing operation in London, as well as officers who worked locally, to ensure coronation celebrations were safe and enjoyable for everyone.”

The Coronation was one of the biggest events in the country’s history.

All in all, 29,000 police officers were deployed to London and Windsor from across the UK for the festivities.

West Mercia Police deputy chief constable Alex Murray added: “I’d like to thank all officers for their hard work and dedication over the coronation weekend.

“It was an honour for our officers to represent the force at such a prestigious and monumental event.  Whether locally or in London and Windsor, our officers played a key role in keeping the public safe during the historic celebrations.”

This praise comes despite the Metropolitan Police expressing “regret” that six anti-monarchy protesters were arrested ahead of the coronation.

No charges will be brought against the six people, who were part of the Republic campaign group.

Republic’s chief executive Graham Smith, who was among those arrested, is considering legal action against the Met after officers personally apologised to him over what he called a “disgraceful episode”.

He said three “rather embarrassed” officers apologised to him at his home in Reading, Berkshire, before handing back the straps for the placards they arrested him over.

Writing for the Evening Standard, Metropolitan Police chief Sir Mark Rowley defended the arrests.

He wrote: “While it is unfortunate that the six people affected by this were unable to join the hundreds of peaceful protesters, I support the officers’ actions in this unique fast-moving operational context.”