MARATHON AMBUSH FEAR

Police are braced for disruption by eco-activists at today’s London Marathon

Mike Sullivan

Published: 0:01, 23 Apr 2023
Updated: 8:05, 23 Apr 2023

POLICE are braced for disruption at today’s London Marathon.

Intelligence reports suggest hardcore eco-activists are hell-bent on action in front of a global audience.

Police fear there will be attempts from climate protestors to disrupt the London Marathon — Police fear there will be attempts from climate protestors to disrupt the London MarathonCredit: Rex

Bright-eyed runners make their way to the start of the race in Greenwich Park — Bright-eyed runners make their way to the start of the race in Greenwich ParkCredit: George Cracknell Wright

The marathon coincides with four days of protests led by Extinction Rebellion.

Although XR leaders have pledged to let the race pass off uninterrupted, hardliners from Just Stop Oil have refused to rule out action.

One source said: “Intelligence suggests there will be action, if not disturbing the marathon itself then in the immediate surrounding area.”

At least 45,000 are people expected to take part.

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Among them will be Sir Mo Farah, 40, who will be running in the race for the last time.

The Metropolitan Police is drafting extra officers into central London to tackle any potential threats.

They will have specialists in attendance to respond to any demonstrators trying to glue themselves to roads.

One lady gets in the fancy dress spirit as she dons a dress and robe on Blackheath Common — One lady gets in the fancy dress spirit as she dons a dress and robe on Blackheath CommonCredit: George Cracknell Wright

Sniffer dogs scour Greenwich Park as marathon runners pile into London — Sniffer dogs scour Greenwich Park as marathon runners pile into LondonCredit: George Cracknell Wright

Scores of cops line the road on Blackheath Common ahead of the race — Scores of cops line the road on Blackheath Common ahead of the raceCredit: George Cracknell Wright

Extra cops have been drafted in to help tackle the potential threats — Extra cops have been drafted in to help tackle the potential threatsCredit: Rex

Sir Mo Farah is running the London Marathon for the final time — Sir Mo Farah is running the London Marathon for the final timeCredit: PA

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