18/04/2013

Increased Police Presence For London Marathon

The Home Secretary has confirmed that Sunday’s London marathon will have an extra police presence in light of the Boston Marathon bombings.

Addressing MPs, Theresa May said "some adjustments to policing" had been. It follows the death of three people in explosions near the finish line of the Boston event.

London police chiefs have been trying to reassure people that Sunday's race, which is expected to attract more than 35,000 runners, would be safe.

Mrs May, appearing before the Commons home affairs select committee three days before the event, said: "The London Marathon is obviously a regular event. The organisers have a good record in terms of the venue security arrangements for the event, such as you can for obviously an event which covers 26 miles.

"The police have looked... further at their arrangements. I believe they have made a number of adjustments to the arrangements that will be in place for the event.

"But, of course, everybody wants to ensure that as far as possible people can come and enjoy an event which many people have obviously spent a very long time training for, and want to be able to raise substantial sums of money for charity."

(H/CD)


Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

24 June 2015
Drivers Warned Over Glastonbury-Bound Traffic
Drivers in England have been warned of an increase in traffic volume on motorways and major A roads between Wednesday and Friday as people make their way to Glastonbury Festival. Highways England issued the warning, ahead of this weekends event, highlighting the A303, M4 and M5 as particular roads expected to be busy.
08 May 2009
Man Jailed For Attempted Murder Of Pc
A south London man has been jailed for 25 years for tying to shoot a policeman. Michael Mitchell, 32, of Babington Road, Streatham, was convicted of attempting to murder Pc Shaun Callow, possession of a firearm and possession of drugs with intent to supply.
23 May 2011
Biggest Ever Free Music Event For London 2012
BBC Radio 1 has announced plans to hold the BBC's largest ever free-ticketed music event as part of the London 2012 Festival. Leona Lewis will be among the artists at the BBC Radio 1 event next year.
23 April 2007
Competitor dies after London Marathon
A 22-year-old man who fell ill after completing the London Marathon has died, race organisers have confirmed. It is understood that the man, who has not been named, died in hospital after successfully completing the 26-mile course. Organisers have offered their "deepest sympathy and condolences" to the man's family and friends.
15 August 2013
Olympic 'Bond' Parachutist Killed
The stuntman who famously parachuted into the London 2012 opening ceremony as James Bond has been killed in an accident. According to numerous sources, 42-year-old Mark Sutton died on Wednesday during a wing-diving event near Martigny in Switzerland. It is thought Mr Sutton died after he crashed into a ridge of rock.