British Grand Prix chiefs step up security with '100 troops present' in face of threat

British Grand Prix bosses doubled down on security in a desperate bid to stop protesters storming the Silverstone circuit. According to , 100 additional soldiers will be present to try to control the 480,000 spectators expected on Sunday.

Facial recognition cameras and bag searches will also be used in an effort to monitor fan issues more closely. Uniformed police, plainclothes detectives, PCSOs and special constables will also patrol the circuit and campsites.

Northamptonshire Police have warned that officers will use additional policing powers introduced under the Public Order Act 2023 to deal with any issues. F1 bosses and British GP organizers will be on high alert after two sporting events were halted by Just Stop Oil within days.

Play was halted at Lords last week after protesters stomped on the ground minutes after the start of the Ashes' second Test in England. Protesters also gained access to Wimbledon and threw jigsaw pieces on Court 18.

The event commander for Northamptonshire Police, Detective Superintendent Richard Tompkins, has issued a warning to potential offenders ahead of the weekend. He said: “Alongside uniformed officers, PCSOs, police personnel, specials and volunteers, we will also have detectives, armed officers and specialist search dogs and their handlers, patrolling the circuit, the campsites and the local area throughout the event.

"With over 450,000 people expected to attend the event this year, the security measures in place are tighter than ever. Our priority is to keep the public safe and arrest those who attend. event with the intent to commit a crime.

"With this objective in mind, I would like to remind anyone considering bringing flares, smoke bombs or pyrotechnics into Silverstone that such items will be confiscated, and you will be refused entry. and that you will be subject to police scrutiny."

Last year, six people were arrested after gaining access to the circuit shortly after the start of the race. Three of the six offenders received suspended prison sentences while the others received 12-month community orders.

British GP boss Stuart Pringle has issued a stern warning to spectators ahead of the weekend as he urged anyone coming to stay safe. Pringle explained, "You're not putting your life at risk sitting on a pool table or protesting at a flower show.

"A motor racing track is not the place to go. It's extremely dangerous and people will endanger lives if they go there, and any sane, sensible person can extrapolate what the risk is ultimate here.< /p>

"My strong, strong message is, 'Don't put your life in danger. This is not the place to go and sit on the floor.' a live racing track."< /p>