Scotland Yard has introduced a 24-hour hotline for businesses with advice on precautions they can take for tomorrow's May Day demonstrations.

In the past few weeks the Yard has held briefings with affected businesses and given out advice on the Met website (http://www.met.police.uk).

However, because of ongoing concerns over vandalism and violent protests, police have launched a hotline for the first time.

It will be open daily between 8am and 6pm.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said those who call 020 7593 7950 will be greeted with a recorded message giving relevant details.

About 4,000 officers will be on duty for the demonstrations, including mobile teams who will respond to incidents when they take place.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Trotter, who is responsible for all Territorial Policing Operations, said: "There are some very simple steps that can be taken in order to protect your building, such as ensuring that everybody knows their responsibilities in the event of any action being taken in your vicinity.

"I'd like to reassure not just businesses but all Londoners that the Met is prepared and we have a responsive policing operation in place to deal with any eventuality. We will continue to monitor the situation right up to and including May 1 itself and can make quick adjustments to our policing plan.

April 29, 2003 11:31