Undercover police join Wimbledon crowds in effort to stop protests

Specialist officers watch for Just Stop Oil protesters, with chalk also banned as tournament security is increased

Undercover specialist police officers are being positioned in key spots in Wimbledon crowds and chalk has been banned from the tennis championships for the first time, as organisers attempt to thwart environmental protesters.

Sally Bolton, the chief executive of the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), said specialist behavioural detection officers (BDOs) would work with intelligence officers to identify and anticipate protesters from Just Stop Oil, who have disrupted a number of sporting events in recent months.