Wimbledon Tightens Security After Killings In Northern Ireland

Wary of possible disruptions by the IRA, Wimbledon has tightened security for the Grand Slam tournament that starts Monday.

The crackdown is aimed at preventing a repeat of the IRA bomb scare this year at the Grand National steeplechase. The race was postponed for two days when a bomb hoax forced evacuation at the Aintree course.

Earlier this week, the IRA was blamed for killing two police officers in Northern Ireland.

The All England Club said Thursday police will search spectators’ bags and check vehicles entering parking lots.

The parking lots on the nearby golf course will be relocated, and closed-circuit television cameras will monitor the grounds. The new measures will add to the already massive lines and traffic congestion at Wimbledon.

“The safety of all our visitors - players, spectators, media, officials and tournament staff - is of paramount importance,” All England Club chief executive Christopher Gorringe said.

“The security measures will, I am afraid, mean inevitable delays, but we would ask for everyone’s cooperation in helping to keep them to a minimum by allowing plenty of time.”