Security tightened for Melbourne Cricket Ground after terror activity thwarted

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2016-12-23T12:33:00+05:00

 Melbourne, Sydney (Web Desk): Cricket Australia (CA), formerly known as the Australian Cricket Board announced on Friday that the board is cooperating with police over security for the Boxing Day Test match at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) after a Christmas Day terrorist plot was thwarted.

Earlier on Friday, police thwarted a Daesh-inspired Christmas Day terror attack aiming at central Melbourne with explosives.

Victoria Police chief commissioner Graham Ashton accused those arrested also planned to use knives and a gun to attack busy locations including Flinders Street train station, Federation Square and St Paul´s Cathedral.

The targets of the alleged attack are all in the heart of the city, occupying three corners of arguably Melbourne´s best-known intersection which is often packed with locals and tourists.

CA chief executive James Sutherland said in a statement, "Our security team is in contact with the relevant authorities to ensure we have the appropriate level of security at the Boxing Day Test and other cricket matches being held around the country."

"The safety and security of our fans, players and officials attending any cricket match is our number one priority."

"We applaud Victoria Police for their efforts this morning in neutralising the threat and we will continue to work with the relevant authorities to ensure the highest security standards and protocols are maintained."

Around ten thousand people attended Friday's Bupa Family Day at the MCG, with family entertainment and public appearances by Australian and Pakistan cricketers passing without incident.

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