Scotland Yard on Thursday unveiled heightened security plans for the annual Wimbledon tennis championships starting next week following recent terrorist attacks in the UK.
The Metropolitan Police said it would be deploying a wide range of policing tactics, including “significant numbers” of officers patrolling the local area, firearms officers and a highly mobile reserve that can respond to emerging incidents.
Its officers will be working in uniform and in plain clothes during the event at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, south-west London.
“The Met has unparalleled experience in policing big events and delivering a safe environment for people to come and enjoy themselves that will be our job this year and one which we are looking forward to carrying out again this year,” said Superintendent Jo Edwards, who is the Met Police in charge of the policing of this year's Championships.
In reference to the UK's threat level, which remains at “severe” following a series of terror attacks in Manchester and London since March this year, she said: “Each year we review and modify our plans based on a number of factors, including the threat level and recent events in London and the UK.
“The recent terror attacks are at the forefront of our minds.
Part of the security plan will be to put in place large barriers, which are already in use in central London around landmark sites.
There will also be a more visible armed police presence throughout the fortnight-long championship, which starts on Monday.
“Hundreds of thousands of people descend on this corner of southwest London each year and have a great time at the Championships that is exactly what we want this year. We have worked closely with the All England Lawn Tennis Club and other partners over many years, building up an excellent working relationship to ensure we deliver a safe and secure event,” Edwards said.
The Met Police has reportedly been working with the UK's intelligence service on this year's security plan for one of the world's biggest tennis tournaments.
The UK has been rocked by numerous terror attacks this year, including an attack on Parliament in March which claimed five lives, a suicide bombing in Manchester which killed 22 people at an Ariana Grande concert and an attack at London Bridge which claimed eight lives.