Industry News

Wimbledon set for biggest-ever security operation

Security at this year’s Wimbledon tennis tournament is set to be tighter than ever before in light of recent terror attacks in Manchester and London.

According to UK newspaper the Daily Telegraph, vehicle access will be restricted in the grounds surrounding the All England Lawn Tennis Club, which stages the grand slam event. A “dedicated deployment” of armed police officers will also be on hand.

The Telegraph notes that entry gates at the venue are located close to the roads and, as such, the tournament could be targeted by attackers in vehicles, as was the case in London on Saturday evening, and in places such as Berlin, Nice and Stockholm in recent months.

In a statement issued to the Telegraph, the Metropolitan Police said: “The Metropolitan Police Service is working closely with the All England Lawn Tennis Club to prepare for the 2017 Wimbledon Championships.

“We will not discuss specific security arrangements that will form part of our policing operation. However, in light of recent events, including the attack in Manchester, the operation has been, and will continue to be, thoroughly reviewed.

“A range of tactics will be put in place, some highly visible, including enhanced physical security and some that the public will not notice, which includes a dedicated deployment of armed officers. Armed officers have supported the policing operation in previous years.”

This year’s tournament will take place from July 3-16.

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