Merseyside Police help escort Royalty at Platinum Jubilee celebrations

The police motorcycle team at Merseyside Police were invited to ensure the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in London were happy and glorious at the weekend.

Merseyside Police were the only force to assist the Metropolitan Police with the escorting of VIPs during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in the capital.

Members of the The Roads Policing Unit's motorcycle team – a Sergeant and five Constables - helped with the movement of the Royal Family, Government Ministers, former Prime Ministers, and dignitaries to and from events at St Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace and the Epsom Derby.

Roads Policing Sergeant Tim Pottle, who led the Merseyside team on the assignment, said: “It was an immense honour for us to be asked to be involved in such a momentous occasion.

“To not only be involved in such a historic occasion but to play an important role at the centre of it all was a huge privilege.

“We have been involved in escorting Royals and other VIPs around Merseyside for many years, but this was an experience I will never forget and the atmosphere was incredible throughout.”

Roads Policing Inspector Carl McNulty added: “Our motorcycle team have shown time and time again that they are ready and capable to police significant events.

“They have the right attitude, experience and skills to fulfil such an important job, and we are thrilled that the Met recognised this by extending the invitation to our force.

“Only last weekend, officers from the motorcycle team guided the Liverpool teams as they paraded trophies through tens of thousands of fans around the city, and we have a rich history of getting dignitaries to and from big events.

“The unit undertake a wide range of roles, from pursuing criminals on the roads of Merseyside and carrying our patrols to deter anti-social behaviour. The motorbike team lead on Operation Brookdale, the force’s response to the anti-social use of scrambler bikes, and have off road bikes to enable them to go to areas traditional police vehicle cannot.

“We also assist officers investigating County Lines drug dealing, travelling in those areas off road that some drug dealers believe police cannot reach, as well as helping Merseyside BikeSafe – a scheme to improve rider skills and help lower the number of motorcycle rider casualties.

“But this was literally a once in a lifetime experience and I’m hugely proud that officers from Merseyside were trusted with such a prestigious task.”