Boat Race To Be Patrolled By Royal Marines

The Royal Marines have been drafted in to patrol the Boat Race because of fears of sabotage after last year's protest invasion.

The competition between Oxford and Cambridge universities had to be halted when Trenton Oldfield, who was demonstrating against elitism, swam into the path of the two crews, narrowly avoiding being struck by an Oxford oar.

On Sunday, Royal Marines will be stationed in inflatable boats along the length of the course to ensure the event is not disrupted.

Boat Race executive director David Searle promised improved security along over eight miles of Thames riverbank and warned against anyone taking to the water.

Mr Searle said: "There will be an increased presence both on and off the water, including support from the Royal Marines, but as with any security plan I cannot disclose the exact details.

"What I would say to anybody thinking of disrupting the race is that it's unbelievably dangerous. You risk injuring yourself, the crews and the other people following the race.

"Nobody wants that to happen. This is just a sporting event."

Oldfield was released from prison in December having served seven weeks of a six-month sentence after being found guilty of causing a public nuisance .

The Metropolitan Police Service have contacted Oldfield by letter and on Twitter to establish whether he was planning any action this year, saying they were "keen to facilitate any peaceful protest".

In a statement, the police stressed they were not offering to organise a protest but to afford him the opportunity to exercise his "lawful rights without causing disruption or danger to themselves or others".

Oldfield who studied ­contemporary urbanism for a masters degree at the London School of Economics, has told The Spectator that he would be nowhere near the Tideway on Sunday.

He said: "In spite of the Metropolitan Police's kind offer I'll probably have a ramble across the Cotswolds instead."

He learned while in prison that he was to become a father and said that it had changed his outlook.

Last year's race was eventually restarted after Oldfield was fished out of the water.

Oxford, who had been narrowly ahead when the race was stopped, suffered a broken oar in a clash soon after the restart and ended up losing by more than four lengths.

The crew's bowman, Alex Woods, passed out when they crossed the finish line and had to be taken to hospital. He spent the night but was discharged the following day.

The Boat Race starts at 4.30pm on Sunday.