Protestors found in Wimbledon queue

Thousands of tennis fans were held up at Wimbledon today after police discovered a group of protesters in the queue.

Spectators who had already lined up during the night for a chance to watch the world’s top stars play had to wait an extra 45 minutes as officials decided to shut the gates.

The group of 14 – whose cause and identity have not been revealed – wore yellow T-shirts and had paint and other equipment to make banners hidden in bags.

The All England Lawn Tennis Club implemented a security lockdown so officials “could establish what the level of threat was”.

A Metropolitan Police helicopter flew overhead to monitor the situation around the grounds.

A police spokesman said: “At approximately 10.30am today a number of people were stopped in the queue at the tennis for Wimbledon and items were also found near to this group, believed to be for use in a demonstration or publicity stunt.

“The police informed the All England Lawn Tennis Club which delayed the opening of the gates where additional searches took place.

“A number of individuals are not being allowed access to the tennis following the searches.

“No arrests were made.”

A source said the group were removed from the queue and left peacefully after seeking to demonstrate against Government policy.

SW19 bosses issued a statement saying: “Acting on information received that there might be a potential demonstration at Wimbledon we have been taking some actions to prevent it.”

Spokesman Johnny Perkins said the actions included assessing who was already inside the ground.

The gates were opened at 11.15am and everything was back to normal with no alterations to playing schedule, he added.