04.11.2016 19:21 h

Police inside London Stadium for West Ham-Stoke

Extra Metropolitan Police officers will be inside the London Stadium for West Ham's home match with Stoke City on Saturday in a bid to avoid a repeat of the violence which has marred the start of the ground's life as a football venue.

Safety and security has been an issue ever since the Hammers quit their traditional east London home of Upton Park for the nearby former Olympic Stadium at the start of this season.

Saturday's match will see some visiting fans relocated to different areas of the ground in a bid to defuse trouble, a move welcomed by Stoke manager Mark Hughes, who praised the behaviour of his own side's "fantastic" away following.

"I think there is a different policy and they are addressing concerns we have had," said Hughes.

"I think they are doing things a little bit differently -- there will be more of a police presence actually in the ground to begin with, and more segregation."

There have been repeated outbreaks of violence, notably during West Ham's EFL Cup win over London rivals Chelsea last week, with not even the presence of police officers inside the ground for the first time deterring trouble-makers.

The fall-out saw 200 fans facing banning orders and a police statement issued Friday said: "The Metropolitan Police Service has a comprehensive, and robust, policing plan for the match on Saturday, November 5 between West Ham and Stoke at London Stadium.

"We are working with partners to prevent crime and disorder and can confirm that officers will be deployed within the stadium to support stadium stewards throughout the match.

"Although Airwave radio is not yet installed at the venue, a tactical measure will be in place to ensure adequate airwave coverage for safe deployment of officers within the stadium."