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Palaces & Buildings

Buckingham Palace ramps up security after Berlin attack

Only hours after the Russian ambassador to Turkey, Andrey Karlov was shot dead on live television, a lorry crashed into crowds at a Berlin Christmas market killing 12 and injuring another 48.

In light of the attack, which Islamic State has claimed responsibility for, London’s Metropolitan Police announced road closures would be in effect as of Wednesday in front of Buckingham Palace to protect the crowds that gather to watch the Changing of the Guard.

In a statement from police reasons listed for the closures were that the “iconic location” is “high profile” and the “substantial military presence” only meant that a road closure was a “necessary precaution.”

They did ensure that they are not aware of any impending attack, saying the closure was “a precautionary measure and not in relation to any specific intelligence”.

The closed off roads will run a three-month trial basis with no vehicle access from 10:45 am to 12:30 pm on the days of the Changing of the Guard. The roads affected are Constitution Hill, the Queen Victoria Memorial, Spur Road, Link Road and The Mall up to the junction with Marlborough Road.

The road closure for 3 or 4 days a week have been planned for some time, but with Monday’s events have been rushed forward.

Buckingham Palace is not the only high-profile location getting amped up security, the Met has also said that other large events will also have increased police presence.

“These already recognise that the threat level is at ‘severe’, meaning an attack is highly likely, and have considered a range of threats, including the use of large vehicles,” was the message relayed in the statement.

“As a matter of routine, as a precaution, we review our plans after attacks overseas, and we are doing so at present following the awful incidents in Berlin and Ankara.”