A £2.5 million security operation has been launched in advance of the Conservative Party Conference, which starts next weekend.

Operation Palisade will see concrete and water-filled barricades set up around the two main conference venues, the Imperial Hotel and the Winter Gardens and strict security checks for delegates.

Assistant Chief Constable Adrian McAllister, who is taking control of the operation, said: "Our security arrangements are quality assured by national and international experts and will be proportionate to the threat. Due to this delegates may experience long queues at the two venues with detailed checks and searches being carried out.

"Although this may cause some inconvenience, our priority at all times is the safety and security of everyone attending this event."