London New Year’s Eve ticket scam warning

Complaints about long queues, poor signage and not being allowed into the allocated viewing areas have also previously been made by a number of people.

Setting out its policing plans, the Met said stewarding teams would have primary responsibility for crowd control but there would also be a highly visible police presence, with officers ready to respond to any incidents requiring their intervention.

Commander Nick John, who is leading the New Year’s Eve policing operation, said London was expected to be exceptionally busy – particularly the West End.

“Please plan your evening ahead of time, including your journey home,” he said.

“Where possible, we would encourage people to attend organised events.

“Anyone planning to come into the centre of London should be aware that the main fireworks display on the Embankment is a fully ticketed event and is sold out.”

He added that “regrettably” in recent years “we have seen an increase in incidents where a minority have tried to illegally force entry into ticketed events, putting everyone’s safety at risk”.

Anyone trying to gain entry in this way on New Year’s Eve could be arrested and face prosecution, he added.