WIMBLEDON SECURITY STEPPED UP

Security at Wimbledon has been stepped up by police and organisers to ensure resourcing at the games “remains fit for purpose”, Scotland Yard said today.

Contingency plans for the Lawn Tennis Championships, which start on Monday, have been revised, as have vetting procedures and police numbers.

A spokesman for Scotland Yard said security arrangements had been changed “in light of recent events in London” although they would not reveal which events had prompted the re-evaluation.

A statement from Scotland Yard said: “The review of the number of police officers and other police staff used at the championships has specifically focused on the need to ensure resourcing remains fit for purpose and appropriate to meet the requirements of contingency plans which have been reviewed in the light of recent events in London.

“Contingency plans for the event have been reviewed as has the initial police response to potential major incidents.”

Other changes to the arrangements involve tightening security around staff and ticket holders, in partnership with the All England Club and the Crown Prosecution Service.

“The search regime at the championships has been enhanced with a revised approach in place to increase its effectiveness. This has obviously involved very close liaison with the club who have committed significant resources to facilitate these new procedures.”

A spokesman said that the arrangements would be “similar to last year” with “airport-style scanning” and “sterile areas”.

Staff appointments have also been subject to increased security measures.

“Vetting procedures have been reviewed and changes introduced with a view to improving effectiveness. This has included a declaration on application forms drawing the attention of applicants to the potential for committing a criminal offence if false information is provided,” the statement said.

“These changes have involved liaison with the Crown Prosecution Service.”

The spokesman refused to comment on the suggestion in today’s Evening Standard that the security review was prompted by fears the royal box could be targeted by a sniper.

“We cannot discuss specific security arrangements,” she said.