Surrey County Cricket Club has enhanced security protocols and bag checks at the Kia Oval following the Golders Green knife attacks in north London. The move comes after a 45-year-old man was charged with attempted murder in connection with the stabbings of two Jewish men on Wednesday, which contributed to the UK terrorism threat level being raised to 'severe'.
Increased Security Measures
The 'severe' threat level is the second highest on the scale, indicating that the chance of terror attacks is considered 'highly likely' by authorities. Surrey's latest first-class fixture against Sussex runs from Friday to Monday, and the club has acted swiftly to reflect the changing circumstances.
A club statement read: 'Surrey are in regular communication with the Met Police and will adjust our own security measures in line with the increased threat level. We want to ensure that all staff, spectators and players feel safe and secure at the Kia Oval and will take the action necessary to do so.'
'Please note there will be additional security presence and heightened bag searches at this weekend's Rothesay County Championship match with Sussex, so please allow additional time to enter the ground.'
Club Initiatives
Surrey have been pioneering a new scheme this season that encourages home-based workers to use the ground as their office, utilising desks and new super-fast broadband connections. Their last home match, against Essex, saw a 21st century record of 15,663 spectators in attendance.
