Extinction Rebellion pledges to help guard London Marathon from protests

• Extraordinary deal revealed by race director Hugh Brasher
• Organisers still stepping up security amid disruption fears

Extinction Rebellion has agreed to help guard the London Marathon from protesters on Sunday in a unique deal to protect one of the “crown jewels” of British sport.

The extraordinary arrangement was revealed by event director Hugh Brasher on Wednesday following a meeting with the environmental group, which is expected to attract thousands of people to The Big One festival in Parliament Square this weekend.