Security plans 'uplifted' for Wimbledon, organisers say

LONDON : Beefed up security to prevent protesters disrupting the Wimbledon tennis championships has been put in place, organisers said on Thursday, a day after environmental protesters disrupted the Ashes cricket test at Lord's.

Just Stop Oil activists interrupted the first morning of the second test between England and Australia when they scattered orange powder on the outfield before one was carried off the field of play by home wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow.

Protesters have disrupted other sporting events in England this year, including the Premiership Rugby final, the World Snooker Championship and the Grand National horse race, as well as other events including the Chelsea Flower Show.

Multiple media outlets in the UK have been reporting that Wimbledon is a prime target for activists with some seeing it as an unrivalled opportunity for publicity, but the All England Lawn Tennis Club is confident it has matters under control.

“We have plans in place to mitigate the risks working in partnership with specialist agencies and the Metropolitan Police and should an incident occur the appropriate specialist teams will respond,” Operations Director Michelle Dite told reporters.

“The safety and security of all our players, colleagues and visitors is paramount."

The All England Club, which hosts the grasscourt grand slam tournament, said it had been liaising with organisers of other sporting events, including the English Cricket Board, to refine best practices.

“Throughout the year we work closely with the Metropolitan Police and other relevant organisations to ensure that The Championships are as safe and secure as possible and that our plans and measures are commensurate with the threat level and prevailing risks,” Dite added.

“Based