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Intelligence received – protestors may try to disrupt Grand Prix
01/07/2022
“Going onto a live racetrack is extremely dangerous – if you go ahead with this reckless plan you are jeopardising lives”
“Don’t create a situation that puts lives in danger” – that’s the message from Northamptonshire Police and the Silverstone race circuit after they received intelligence that protestors may be planning to attempt to invade the track on race day.
Gates at the circuit opened at 7 this morning with 400,000 visitors expected there over the next three days.
The Police are offering the protestors an opportunity to protest peacefully at the circuit, which they say they will help to facilitate if the protestors contact them. But they plead with them not to put lives in danger.
Event Commander, Chief Inspector Tom Thompson, said: “We have received credible intelligence that a group of protestors are planning to disrupt the event and possibly invade the track on race day.
“First of all, I want to appeal directly to this group of people and strongly urge you to not put yourselves, the drivers, as well as the many marshals, volunteers and members of the public, at risk.
“Going onto a live racetrack is extremely dangerous – if you go ahead with this reckless plan you are jeopardising lives.
“Protesting is of course everyone’s human right in this country and we are more than happy to speak with you to help you facilitate a peaceful protest at the circuit, we just please ask that you do not create a situation that puts lives in danger.”
No information has been released as to whether it is known which group may be planning the protest.
Northamptonshire Police say their wide-ranging policing operation covers contingencies such as this and extra resources will be in place throughout the race weekend, should anyone ignore the warnings and try to disrupt the event.
Chief Inspector Thompson added: “We are very experienced in the policing of this event having done so over a number of years but let me make this clear – this doesn’t make us complacent. The security measures we have put in place are as stringent as ever and anyone thinking of taking advantage of the race weekend to commit a crime will be caught.
“Finally, I would just appeal to members of the public to be extra vigilant and to make us aware of anything you see during the race weekend that doesn’t look right. We would rather get a well-meaning report that turns out to be nothing, than not receive one at all.
“If you see or suspect anything suspicious, please report it to a member of the police or security.”
Protestors wishing to speak to the team working on Formula 1 can call Northamptonshire Police on 101 using Op Pitlane as the reference.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam