Wimbledon 2017: Anti-terror operation turns All England Club into a fortress

Armed police and security barriers will turn Wimbledon into a fortress in a massive anti-terror security operation for the tennis championships.

An unprecedented number of officers in uniform and plainclothes will be deployed for the two-week tournament following the terrorist attacks in London and Manchester.

Security barriers were being erected this week to protect pedestrians from a possible vehicle attack, and extra armed patrols will be deployed from the start of the event on Monday.

Superintendent Jo Edwards, the Met officer in charge of security, said there was a “robust plan” which had been drawn up in the light of the recent atrocities.

Security measures being installed at Wimbledon
Roger Allen

She said “a significant number of officers from a range of different specialisms”, including firearms officers, were being deployed.

At the same time, security barriers, similar to those erected on central London bridges following the Westminster and London Bridge attacks, will be installed to protect pedestrians.

Workers installing security barriers at Wimbledon
Roger Allen

She emphasised there was no specific information that an attack was being planned and said the Met had huge experience in delivering a safe tournament.

Bollards: Stewards put security measures in place
Jeremy Selwyn

She said: “Hundreds of thousands of people descend on this corner of south-west London each year and have a great time at the championships — that is exactly what we want this year.”

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She added: “What we have to do is take into account the methodology that’s been used at recent attacks by attackers and we have got to make sure we have measures in place to mitigate against the differing types of attack.”

Superintendent Edwards said she has been working with the All England Lawn Tennis Club throughout the year to plan the security operation.

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