It had been claimed last month that for the first time England were unlikely to send a team to the Games because it was feared they would be in danger.
 
The report, in The Daily Telegraph, was immediately denied by the Government and Commonwealth Games England, and the Metropolitan Police have now confirmed that they believe Delhi will be safe for the Games, which are due to open in the Indian capital on October 3.

Richard Stagg, the British High Commissioner in India, said: "We do not believe that there is a security threat to the Games at this moment.

"Current analyses do not suggest that.
 
"We are encouraged by the efforts made by the Indian authorities."

The team from Scotland Yard visited Delhi last weekend to inspect preparations for the Games and praised the efforts of India's security forces.

Stagg said: "They returned to the UK very reassured, believing that the Indian authorities are on track to deliver a very effective performance on security."

It had been claimed in in the Indian media that the British Government had demanded a leading role for British Police authorities during the Games.

But Stagg denied this, although he admitted that the England team would be accompanied by dedicated security officials as had happened at previous Games.

He said: “We won’t be involved in policing the Games.

"A police team will accompany the athletes to liaise with India police and advise.

"We will not take over the Indian police’s role."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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