9,500 officers drafted in to protect NATO summit in Wales; 'challenging' protests expected

LONDON – British police say some 9,500 officers from across the country have been drafted in to protect the Sept. 4-5 NATO summit in Wales.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Armitt said Tuesday that while most protests timed to coincide with the event are expected to be peaceful, a minority is expected to take "direct disruptive action" and challenge police.

He said a small number of protesters are believed to be planning a march to the Celtic Manor resort in southeast Wales, where the summit will be held.

Armitt warned that anyone trying to breach the 13.5 kilometers (8.4 miles) of security fencing surrounding the resort will be arrested.

The summit will be attended by leaders from 28 NATO member states as well as some 30 of the alliance's partner nations.