ARMED POLICE AT ROYAL ASCOT
ARMED POLICE and sniffer dogs are set for a highprofile presence at Royal Ascot in the biggest security operation in the track’s 306-year history.
A total of 300,000 people are expected at the Queen’s racecourse during the five-day fixture, which begins a week on Tuesday.
And, with the UK terror threat currently “severe” following recent atrocities in Westminster, Manchester and London Bridge, officials at Ascot are working closely with Thames Valley Police to ensure public safety.
Precise details of the security operation remain top secret. But trained marksmen and police dogs will be every bit as much a part of one of the summer’s marquee sporting events as top hats and champagne.
“Royal Ascot has always been a high-profile event with safety and security planning a priority,” Nick Smith, Ascot’s director of racing and communications, said yesterday.
“But, conscious of the events in Manchester and London recently, there will be a particularly visible armed police presence both on site and surrounding the venue, with more sniffer dogs in circulation and bag searching.” But the special measures – backed up by highest-level intelligence and no-stone-unturned surveillance – are designed to put racegoers at ease, rather than cause alarm. “We feel people are used to the sight of armed police at big events and in major cities,” said Smith. “Personally speaking, I find their presence reassuring and I hope our customers will feel the same way.” The unprecedented levels of security will inevitably result in queues at Ascot’s gates and Smith’s advice to racegoers is to start their journeys in plenty of time.
“We are asking customers and participants to arrive earlier than they would normally plan to,” he added. “But we are looking forward to an enjoyable Royal Ascot for all.”
A Police spokesman said: “Thames Valley Police is working with its partners to ensure that everyone enjoys Royal Ascot. We would ask all racegoers to remain vigilant and, if you see anything unusual at the event – no matter how insignificant you think it might be – please find, and tell, a police officer.”