Anti-terror bollards will be installed along the route of Monday’s Melbourne Cup Carnival parade over fears of a vehicle attack.
The measures are part of a huge effort to keep racegoers safe in the wake of a series of terror attacks abroad – including the rampage in Manhattan that left at least eight dead.
A man in a rented pickup truck allegedly mowed down pedestrians and cyclists along a busy bike path near the World Trade Center memorial on Tuesday afternoon local time, killing at least eight and seriously injuring 11.
And although Victoria Police haven’t detailed what security measures will be in place at Flemington Racecourse, they will be to prevent ‘vehicle incursion,’ the Courier Mail reports.
Melbourne Cup terror alert: Bollards installed at Flemington over fears of lone wolf vehicle attacks after ‘ISIS-linked’ attacker killed eight in New York. File photo
Every visitor will be scanned with metal detectors upon entry and have bags searched.
Although there is no specific threat to the event, Superintendent David Clayton said police remain in constant contact with their counterparts across the country and overseas.
‘We learn from what’s happening overseas and we ensure that we use any intelligence that is relevant to inform us to ensure we have an appropriate and proportional security environment at an event,’ he said.
‘In terms of a hostile vehicle incursion into the event, we plan and we have contingencies and we have measures in place to mitigate against that.’
The measures are part of a huge effort to keep racegoers safe in the wake of a series of terror attacks abroad. Above, Melbourne Cup Day in 2016
Every visitor will be scanned with metal detectors upon entry and have bags searched
Supt Clayton also said that racegoers can expect a heavy police presence on all four major race days at both Flemington and throughout the CBD – to help control alcohol consumption and ensure crowd safety.
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to pass through the gates of Flemington for the week-long celebrations.
‘Police will be present on all four major race days throughout the carnival kicking off with Derby Day this Saturday,’ he said.
‘It doesn’t matter if you are heading to Flemington or into the city to enjoy a night out after a race day – police will be there to keep you safe every step of the way.
Supt Clayton added: ‘We’re advising racegoers to allow plenty of time to get into the track as there will be bag checks and wanding at every entry point.
‘The safety of everyone attending is our highest priority and we urge everyone to be patient at the gates.’