Security for Donald Trump’s UK visit cost nearly £18m (Getty)

Taxpayers in the UK forked out nearly £18 million to pay for the police operation for Donald Trump’s visit to the country.

Thousands of officers were deployed to cover the three-day trip in the largest mobilisation since the 2011 riots.

Sara Thornton, who chairs the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said it was a ‘significant operation’ with the US President visiting four force areas and protests taking place in many others.

Police on guard point at Prestwick airport in Ayrshire, before President Donald Trump’s arrival (PA)

Protestors – and a balloon – were waiting to greet the President when he arrived in London (Getty)

She said: ‘Nearly every force supported the operation with nearly 10,000 officers deployed from all over the country, performing over 26,000 shifts.

‘The full cost of the operation is still being worked out but an early estimate is nearly £18 million.’

Ms Thornton said all forces reported ‘high demand’ at the time of the visit in July, which coincided with increased demand and calls linked to the World Cup, hot weather and numerous events and festivals.

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The senior officer added: ‘These demands affected local policing to differing degrees across the country with the host forces most impacted.

‘The majority of forces had to cancel officers’ rest days and extend the length of their shifts.

‘Despite the challenges, the hard work of officers and staff made sure that the public were kept safe throughout.’

Thousands of officers were deployed to cover the three-day trip to the UK (Getty)

Making his first visit to the UK as President, Trump held talks with Prime Minister Theresa May and met the Queen at Windsor Castle, before travelling to Scotland where he played golf at his family’s Turnberry resort.

His visit was overshadowed by protests, including a balloon of Trump wearing a nappy flown over the capital.