Security ramped up and diversions for Tory conference

Armed police, road closures and no-fly zones are some of the measures put in place

Security measures have been ramped up around Birmingham city centre as the Conservative Party Conference gets under way.

Armed police and high-visibility patrols will be a frequent sight around the International Convention Centre (ICC) as hundreds gather for the annual event this weekend.

Access to roads around the centre were blocked from Tuesday and will reopen on Friday, 4 October.

The conference will be a chance for the party's final four candidates to rally support for their bids to become the next leader.

Robert Jenrick, Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly and Tom Tugendhat will have a chance to make their pitch to take over from Rishi Sunak.

The city last hosted the event in 2022 and will welcome the conference from Sunday to Wednesday.

Access to Broad Street, Great Charles Street, Street, Sandpits, Parade, Clement Street, St Vincent Street, Sheepcote Street and Oozells Way will be restricted so those travelling in via bus or tram are being encouraged to allow more time for journeys.

Bus services affected include 9, 12, 12A, 13, 13A, 126, X8, X10, 23 and 24.

Trams will not run between Edgbaston Village and the central library.

As part of security measures, airspace restrictions will be in place around the conference area, West Midlands Police said.

Over the weekend, no drones or aircraft will be allowed fly below 4,500ft within a one-mile radius of the ICC without permission from the force.