Gun police and bag checks at Royal Ascot after terror attacks
VISITORS to Royal Ascot will be confronted next week with the sight of armed police, sniffer dogs and bag searches as organisers implement heightened security measures after recent terror attacks.
The newly visible security is designed to reassure racegoers of their safety, a spokesman said.
While many of the arrangements have been in place quietly in previously years, visitors will experience more visible security this year, and longer queues to get into the course.
A statement issued yesterday said: “There will be more extensive dog, bag and physical search procedures for everyone at all the racecourse entrances and you will notice a stronger armed and uniformed police presence.
“The safety of all racegoers is paramount and racegoers can be assured that the racecourse works extremely closely at all times with the police, the security services and specialist advisers in implementing the appropriate security measures for protection.”
A spokesman said it was inevitable that access to the racecourse this year would take longer, and asked racegoers to leave themselves more time to pass through security.
A source said: “In years gone by, there might have been a mentality that there would be subtlety in security, so as not to alarm people.” Today, “people are more likely to be comforted by a visible presence.”
Royal Ascot will begin next Tuesday, June 20.