Chelsea cancel Premier League title bus tour after Manchester terror attack

Chelsea have cancelled their Premier League title parade following the Manchester terror attack.

The newly crowned champions were planning to hold an open top bus tour in west London on Sunday, the day after they play Arsenal in the FA Cup final at Wembley.

But after talks with the local council and police, and with the terror threat having been raised to critical, the club has abandoned the celebration, believing it would be inappropriate to divert police resources.

A statement read: "Everyone associated with Chelsea Football Club offers our heartfelt condolences to those affected by Monday's terror attack in Manchester. Our thoughts go out to all the victims, and their families and friends.

"In light of these tragic events, we feel it is inappropriate to go ahead with the victory parade in London on Sunday.

"Given the heightened security threat announced by the Government, and recognising that this is a developing situation, we have given this careful consideration. We are sure our fans will understand this decision.

"Having consulted with the Metropolitan Police, Hammersmith and Fulham Council and other authorities, we know the emergency services would have been as professional as ever, but we would not want in any way to divert important resources by holding an additional, non-ticketed event on the streets of London."

Chelsea players will wear black armbands at the FA Cup final, while the club will be making a donation to the fund supporting the survivors and families of those killed in the attack.

Arsenal have cancelled plans to screen the final at the Emirates Stadium and will not hold a victory parade if they win.

"We did not want to place any additional pressure on police and security services at this time and have been working closely with them ahead of making this decision," the club said.