Hammer blow as police radio system is delayed

THE radio system that would allow police to communicate safely inside West Ham’s London Stadium will now not be fully operational until February. Stadium operators London 185 had previously claimed that Airwave, the radio communication system, would be in place in time for the match against Arsenal on December 3. However, the Metropolitan Police yesterday confirmed a further two-month delay. For the EFL Cup clash against rivals Chelsea on Wednesday, almost 5,200 away fans will descend on the London Stadium — with security previously struggling to cope with an average of 3,000 visiting fans against less hostile opposition. Due to the absence of Airwave, police have so far refused to place officers inside the ground on health and safety grounds. However, for the Chelsea game, a ‘tactical solution’ has been found that, in the event of crime or disorder taking place, police can be deployed inside the London Stadium and it is understood there will be police vans outside that will act as a central communication system. And, because of the nature of the game, the police may yet decide to deploy officers within the stadium before and during the game.