British Grand Prix chiefs beef up security with ‘100 soldiers present’

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

Facial recognition cameras and bag searches will also be used in a bid to keep a closer eye on fan trouble. Uniformed police officers, plain-clothes detectives, PCSO’s and Special Constables will also be patrolling the circuit and campsites.

Northamptonshire Police has warned officers will use extra policing powers introduced under the Public Order Act 2023 to deal with any issues. F1 bosses and British GP organisers will be on high alert after two sports events were interrupted by Just Stop Oil within days.

Play was stopped at Lords last week after protesters stomped onto the ground minutes after the start of England’s second Ashes test. Demonstrators also got access to Wimbledon and threw jigsaw pieces over Court 18.

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

“With more than 450,000 people expected to attend this year’s event, the security measures that are in place are as stringent as ever. Our priority is to keep the public safe and arresting those who attend the event with the intention of committing crime.

“With that aim in mind, I would like to remind anyone who may be thinking of bringing flares, smoke bombs or pyrotechnics to Silverstone that these items will be confiscated, and you will be refused entry as well as be subject to police scrutiny.”

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

British GP boss Stuart Pringle issued a stern warning to spectators ahead of the weekend as he urged anyone coming to stay safe. Pringle explained: “You are not putting your life in danger when you sit on a snooker table or protest at a flower show.

“A motor racing track is not the place to go. It is extraordinarily dangerous and people will be putting lives at risk if they go there, and any sensible, right-thinking person can extrapolate what the ultimate risk here is.

“My strong, strong message is: ‘Do not put your life in danger. This is not the place to go and sit on a floor’. It is absolute madness if someone climbs on to a live racing track.”