Attack sparks robust security for FA Cup
LONDON, May 27, 2017 ( AFP) - Armed police looked on as thousands watched the Great CityGames in the centre of Manchester just days after a suicide bomb at a pop concert claimed 22 lives and wounded dozens.
Similar robust security measures was a feature of English football's showpiece event the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday and several other high profile sporting events in the weeks to come.
The reinforced measures have been put in place with the terror alert raised to its highest level of 'critical' meaning another attack is believed to be imminent. With the heightened security threat, Chelsea have cancelled Sunday's parade in London to celebrate their Premier League title, saying they thought it was "inappropriate to go ahead" following the bombing.
Arsenal, who face Chelsea in the FA Cup final, have also said they will not hold a victory parade if they win at Wembley.
Spectators attending the Scottish Cup final in Glasgow, the English Premiership rugby union final at Twickenham and the cricket one-day international between England and South Africa in Southampton all on Saturday were significantly increased armed police presence on the periphery of the stadia.
They have also been asked to turn up earlier than usual for security checks and to act as eyes and ears for the security services.
"We are working closely with both the Football Association (FA) and Wembley to ensure this weekend's iconic football matches pass off without incident," said Britain's top counter terrorism police officer Mark Rowley.
"Together we have a long history of delivering safe and secure major sporting events.
"This will include extra armed officers on foot patrol around the environs of the Stadium, and the deployment of police armoured vehicles to support road closures.
"At Twickenham rugby fans will see more armed officers on foot around the stadium.
"Our operations will include a range of highly visible but also covert and discreet tactics and this will run far beyond the final whistle and away from specific stadia.
"This will also apply right throughout the transport network.
"I would ask people to be our eyes and ears -- if you see something suspicious tell a police officer or member of security staff." - 'Reassure, help and keep you safe' - There will also be an armed police presence at Monday's one-day international between England and South Africa at Lord's in North West London.
"Advice has been sought from the Metropolitan Police and, in line with other major sporting and public events being held this week, there will be an armed police presence outside Lord's on Monday," said Derek Brewer, Secretary of the Marylebone Cricket Club the owners of Lord's.
English rugby club Northampton, who are hosting French side Stade Francais in a European Rugby Championship play- off match on Friday, implemented an 'Open Jacket Policy' demanding supporters wearing jackets to unzip them before being allowed to enter their stadium.
Events further down the track will also see extra armed police deployed including two major horse racing events, Saturday week's Epsom Derby and Royal Ascot later in June -- both of which are regularly attended by Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the royal family.