Marine officers search river ahead of Trump visit

Police said patrols along the River Thames were part of a "wide range" of security measures ahead of Donald Trump's visit

Searches are being carried out on the River Thames in Berkshire ahead of Donald Trump's state visit when he will be hosted by the King at Windsor Castle.

The deployment of the Thames Valley Police marine unit is one of a number of increased security measures by the force.

The unit will work with the Environment Agency, which will also patrol the river.

The US president is due to stay overnight at Windsor Castle with King Charles III and Queen Camilla on Wednesday.

The force said the patrols were part of a "wide range" of security measures, "many of which will be visible to the public and others which will not".

The US president is due to stay at Windsor Castle on Wednesday

Sgt Lyn Smith, of the force's Joint Operations Marine Unit, said searches and patrols were being undertaken in the build-up to the visit.

"We have specialist equipment that we will be using and our officers are highly trained in search and patrol," the officer said.

"We will be working alongside our partners the Environment Agency who will also be deploying onto the river, in order to maintain the safety of everyone.

"As well as the patrol and search activity, we will be engaging with those using the river and speaking to local businesses who operate cruises or other leisure activities on the water."

The force has urged the public to remain vigilant and raise concerns with police or the Environment Agency by calling 101 - or 999 in an emergency.

President Trump made his first state visit to the UK in 2019

Trump was hosted by Queen Elizabeth II for his first state visit in 2019 during his first term in office.

Traditionally, second-term presidents are not offered a state visit and have instead been invited for tea or lunch with the monarch.

But Trump's arrival is expected to be greeted with a full ceremonial welcome and a state banquet in St George's Hall.

All senior members of the Royal Family will be involved, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, who live on the grounds of the castle.