Wimbledon fine-tunes security after bomb scare

LONDON: Wimbledon police chiefs have altered their security plan for the championships following Friday's defusing of a car bomb in the heart of London's theatre district.

Superintendent Peter Dobson, in charge of the police operation at the All England Club, said that, while there had been no specific threat to Wimbledon, security measures at the Championships had been fine-tuned in the wake of the incident.

"Whilst I have made some adjustments to the security of the perimeter, with some police officers being redeployed from inside, and some enhanced checking of vehicles entering the car parks, the security plan remains commensurate to the threat," Dobson said.

"There is no intelligence that increases the threat to the championships. My message is for all persons attending to remain vilgilant and to report anything suspicious to the police."

"This is a timely reminder that we live in dangerous times and our top priority will always remain the safety of the public."

The new plan means more vehicle interiors are being checked and there is a higher police presence around the edge of the club, which is bordered by busy roads, a golf course and suburban housing.

Amid widespread disruption in city, new Prime Minister Gordon Brown warned that the alert was a fresh warning of the threat faced by Britain, which soon marks the second anniversary of the London suicide attacks which killed 52 people.

Since the July 7, 2005 bombings, Wimbledon has brought in airport-style searching with tennis-watchers having to pass through metal detectors and bag checks.

The queues of fans who camp out overnight to get tickets, a traditional Wimbledon feature, were moved away from the site's perimeter to reduce the possibility of a direct attack.

And vetting procedures were also strengthened in a bid to thwart bogus applicants for accreditation passes.

Police said 19 people had been arrested in the first four days of this year's championships, for offences ranging from the possession of offensive weapons to cannabis possession, disorder, indecent assault, theft, fraud and immigration-related offences.

Dobson said people had tried to bring knives, tear gas canisters and pepper sprays into Wimbledon this year.

"If people bring illegal items to the club they will be dealt with robustly, and that usually means arrest and prosecution," he said.

Ladies' singles top seed Justine Henin said she was not worried by the bomb scare. "Everyone heard about that," the world number one said. "But I feel quite safe here."