Millwall vs West Ham: Huge police presence at derby as officers get special stop and search powers to stop trouble

Police on horses patrol the outside of the stadium before the Sky Bet Championship match between Millwall and West Ham United Getty Matt Watts , News Editor 1 minute ago COMMENTS The Met Police has brought in enhanced stop and search powers in a bid to try and stop violence erupting between rival fans at the Millwall v West Ham derby.

The force has employed 400 officers in a bid to clamp down on troublemakers looking to stir up clashes at the game, the first time the two London clubs have met for 14 years.

A heavy police presence was seen in the streets around The Den , Millwall’s ground in south east London, ahead of the match on Saturday lunchtime.

Mounted Police before the Sky Bet Championship match at the The Den, London. Picture date: Saturday September 19, 2026. PA Multiple police vans were pictured, along with mounted officers on patrol.

Dog units and live facial recognition cameras are also being deployed as part of the large-scale police operation.

But the force has roughly quadrupled the number of police for the game in anticipation there may be thugs looking to start trouble.

While the police has also announced a Section 60 order has been authorised for the fixture .

It gives police enhanced powers to stop and search people and vehicles without the usual requirement of reasonable suspicion. It will be in force until 8pm.

Police on horses patrol the outside of the stadium Getty Police with riot helmets before the Sky Bet Championship match at the The Den PA Ahead of the match, the Met had already introduced enhanced powers to disperse anyone causing disorder.

These dispersal orders are used for matches with fierce rivalry between clubs, such as the north London derby between Arsenal and Spurs.

Rival fans have been be told to use specific Tube and rail stations on Saturday in an attempt to keep supporters of the two clubs apart.

PA The Met posted on X: “On Saturday, 19 September at 12:30hrs, @MillwallFC face @WestHam at the Den – the first time the two clubs have met since 2012.

“We want fans to enjoy the match safely and have worked with both clubs to help this happen.

“As with any fixture, the Sporting Events Act 1985 is in place, which means entering or attempting to enter a ground while intoxicated is strictly prohibited.