Donald Trump’s limo 'The Beast' and 22-vehicle motorcade snakes through London as President prepares to touch down in UK

Trump motorcade led by 'The Beast' limo spotted in London ++++ President due to land in London later today for his controversial UK visit ++++ Tens of thousands of people plan to protest ++++ Follow all the developments LIVE here
The Beast: Donald trump convoy arrives in the UK
Chloe Chaplain12 July 2018

Donald Trump’s heavily-armoured limousine was seen leading a 22-strong motorcade of vehicles through London as officials prepared for his arrival at Stansted Airport.

The presidential convoy, which includes two identical limousines nicknamed The Beast, and other security and communications vehicles, was brought across by US Air Force transport aircraft.

The cars were spotted by Londoners in Finsbury Park and Camden as they made their way towards the president's residence for his UK trip.

Sky News’ Kay Burley shared a video of the convoy, adorned with flashing lights, driving from what appeared to be the US Ambassador’s official residence in Regents Park – where Mr Trump will stay.

The cars were accompanied by security and communications vehicles

The video shows car after car driving out of a gate heavily guarded by police, followed by vans and lorries. It shows the sheer scale of the President’s security operation for his four-day UK trip.

The motorcade was believed to be leaving the central London location to drive to the airport north east of the capital to meet Mr Trump and his wife Melania.

Mr Trump and Melania are due to touch down on Thursday afternoon fresh from a trip to Brussels for a Nato Summit.

Trump's convoy with counter-terror police at Stansted Airport
PA

While in the UK, the president is expected to spend as much time as possible out of London, staying away from huge crowds of protesters due to gather in the centre.

President Donald Trump arriving for the NATO summit in Brusselsin The Beast
EPA

One of the biggest ever police operations is due to take place to cover the visit, with nearly every force in England and Wales contributing officers to help with the biggest mobilisation since the 2011 riots

And for added security the President will travel around in The Beast - a seven-seat black vehicle which reportedly costs two million US dollars and is designed to give the president the ultimate protection.

It can be turned into a sealed panic room with oxygen tanks, night-vision camera and reinforced steel plating said to be able to resist bullets, chemical attacks and bombs.

The Beast is a seven-seat black vehicle which is designed to give the president the ultimate protection
AFP/Getty Images

The Cadillac has Kevlar-reinforced tyres and steel rims that can keep the vehicle moving even if the tyres have been destroyed.

Bottles of the president's blood type are carried on board in case of a medical emergency, and a satellite phone enables communication to be maintained from anywhere in the world.

As well as being able to defend the president, the car also features a host of attacking capabilities, such as a pump-action shotgun and a tear gas cannon.

Mr Trump and Melania will also be accompanied by up to 1,000 staff and multiple helicopters during his UK trip.

He is expected to touch down on UK soil on Thursday afternoon on Air Force One before going on to meet Theresa May for dinner a Blenheim Palace.

The US Embassy in London warned visitors of potential disruption across the three days and urged Americans to keep a low profile and exercise caution.

During Mr Trump’s dinner with Mrs May protesters will gather at the main gate to campaign and more will congregate near the US ambassador's residence in Regent's Park.

Organisers have urged people to bring "megaphones, whistles, pots and pans and anything else you can make noise with", while the Together Against Trump umbrella protest group said the "harrowing" sounds of children crying at the US-Mexico border would be played to demonstrate against strict immigration laws.

A huge baby blimp is set to be flown for two hours at Parliament Square on Friday before a series of further demos across London, including an anti-Trump and anti-Tory 12-hour DJ marathon party.

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