UK Police Step Up Security at Wimbledon Amid Terror Concerns

Security has been significantly increased at the Wimbledon tennis tournament, which kicked off earlier in the day in London, due to a “severe" terror threat, the Metropolitan Police Service said in a statement Monday.

LONDON (Sputnik) — Attacks are "highly likely," according to the police. Additional officers, including plainclothes units, will be patrolling the Championships’ venue, the police said.

A mobile unit is prepared to handle any incidents that might arise, law enforcement statement stressed.

The decision to boost security came following Friday attack on a popular Tunisian resort that left almost 40 people dead. The number of Britons confirmed to have been killed in the shooting stands at 18 but this number is expected to rise further.

The Islamic State extremist group has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack.