BARACK Obama, the 44th president of the United States, will arrive at Stansted Airport this evening (Tuesday) amid a massive security operation. Extensive precautions have been taken to ensure that the American president and his 500-person entourage arriv

BARACK Obama, the 44th president of the United States, will arrive at Stansted Airport this evening (Tuesday) amid a massive security operation.

Extensive precautions have been taken to ensure that the American president and his 500-person entourage arrive safely at the airport, and security is tighter than ever.

Residents have already been feeling the full effects of the joint Essex Police and CIA operation ahead of Mr Obama's arrival.

Chef Steve Cooper, who lives in Ridley Gardens, Elsenham, but works at the Saracens Head in Dunmow, described his journey to work this morning: "I left at 8am as usual but when I reached the road that takes me around the airport to Dunmow I was stopped by police," he said.

"They searched me and my car and asked for identification. I was lucky to get to work on time in the end."

The president's plane, Air Force One, will arrive at Stansted's Business Aviation Centre on the north side of the airfield and away from the main terminal at around 7.45pm.

A Stansted spokesman said he expected "no disruption" to other flights arriving or departing from the airport when the president's 76-seat plane touches down.

Security agents from the US have already flown into the UK to fine tune the security arrangements and the president's bullet-proof Cadillac has also been flown in.

Mr Obama is expected to be taken by helicopter from Stansted to the ambassador's residence in Regent's Park, London. Most of his entourage will travel from the airport by car.

A spokesman for Essex Police said there should not be any significant delays on Essex roads while the convoy travels from the airport to London.

The president and his wife Michelle will meet the Queen at Buckingham Palace before attending the G20 summit on Thursday.