RFU may install terrorism barriers at Twickenham
Security at HQ to be tightened in response to heightened attack threat
Concrete bollards and other permanent structures to prevent a Westminster Bridge-style attack could be erected shortly around Twickenham, as the Rugby Football Union seeks to enhance its security in wake of the increased terror threatl.
A number of measures, both overt and covert, are already in place, but it is understood the governing body is also considering installing concrete barriers and other additional “hostile vehicle mitigation” steps this season.
The RFU is working closely with the Metropolitan Police to ensure that adequate security, which already includes bag and body searches, is in place ahead of the autumn Test series,
Roads are also closed around the stadium several hours before the kick-offs of major internationals. However, the assessment by Andrew Parker, the head of MI5, on Tuesday that Britain is facing a dramatic upshift in Islamist terror attacks with a “multi-dimensional” threat at a pace “we’ve not seen before” is likely to encourage the RFU to commit additional investment into further measures.
More than 240,000 supporters are expected to attend England’s three Test matches next month, against Australia, Argentina and Samoa. It is not yet clear whether the police or the Home Office will make a contribution to private event owners such as the RFU in the way that it has for public places.
A number of barriers have already sprung up across London following the attack on Westminster Bridge in March that claimed five lives and left 49 people injured.
In June, an Islamist terrorist also killed eight people and injured 48 in a vehicle and stabbing attack on London Bridge. Other recent atrocities using a similar method of attack have also taken place in Paris, Nice, Barcelona, Stockholm and Edmonton.
The security measures at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, which was hosted in England, did not require the airport-style levels of security that were employed during the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
But with Twickenham Stadium located so close to a public highway – and with a significant concourse outside the South Stand – it seems that the governing body is likely to be left with little option but to add further security structures, given the current level of threat.
“We work closely with the police on all security issues, including hostile vehicle mitigation, and have a number of plans already in place for all our games,” said an RFU spokeswoman. “The safety of our customers is of prime importance to us.”