London Marathon To Review Security After Boston Blasts

Security for this week’s London Marathon will be urgently reviewed today after two fatal explosions hit the end of the Boston Marathon. However, organisers added that the event will go ahead as scheduled. 

Yesterday the Boston Marathon was struck by two blasts, reported to have killed at least three people and injured more than 140.

Two bombs exploded almost simultaneously, near the finish line of the race, just over four hours into the event and two hours after the men’s winner crossed the finish line. 

It is believed that more than 17,000 of the 23,000 entrants had finished the marathon, but thousands more were still running. 

The Associated Press reports as many as two unexploded bombs were also found near the end of the 26.2-mile course, but they were safely disarmed, according to a senior US intelligence official.

With the attack being treated as an act of terrorism, the FBI has taken charge of the investigation and there has been no immediate claim of responsibility.

The International Association of Athletics Federations said it was ‘shocked and appalled by the tragic events’, while the Boston Bruins National Hockey League game and a Boston Celtics National Basketball Association game were cancelled, as the city’s sports teams responded to the attacks.

The Boston Athletic Association, organiser of the Marathon, said in a statement: ‘The Boston Athletic Association extends its deepest sympathies to all those who were affected in any way by today’s events. Today is a sad day for the City of Boston, for the running community, and for all those who were here to enjoy the 117th running of the Boston Marathon.’ 

‘What was intended to be a day of joy and celebration quickly became a day in which running a marathon was of little importance. At this time, we are cooperating with the City of Boston, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and all federal law enforcement officials. We would like to thank the countless people from around the world who have reached out to support us today.’

The Boston Marathon is a member of the elite World Marathon Majors group, alongside the events in Berlin, Chicago, London and New York. 

Nick Bitel, London Marathon chief executive, said: ‘We are deeply saddened and shocked by the news from Boston. Our immediate thoughts are with the people there and their families. It is a very sad day for athletics and for our friends and colleagues in marathon running. Our security plan is developed jointly with the Metropolitan Police and we were in contact with them as soon as we heard the news.’

Met Police chief superintendent Julia Pendry added: ‘A security plan is in place for the London Marathon. We will be reviewing our security arrangements in partnership with London Marathon.’