Security stepped up at Trinidad players hotel by AFP

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Event:

ICC World Cup 2006/07

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DateLine: 9th March 2007

 

Security has been stepped up at the World Cup players' hotel here where a suspected gas leak led to the evacuation of the Pakistan and South Africa teams.

 

Although there will be more police on duty at the Hilton Hotel, tournament organisers insist that even though Wednesday's incident was under investigation, there had been no direct threat to either South Africa, Pakistan or Canada and Ireland who are also based here.

 

"The law enforcement agencies in Trinidad and Tobago have indicated that the incident was not directed towards any of the teams and additional policing has been put in place on the property," said a tournament spokesman.

 

"The incident that took place at the Hilton Hotel, Port of Spain, Trinidad is currently under investigation by local police forces.

 

"Representatives from all four teams have met with the Acting Police Commissioner Glen Roach and been assured of their safety.

 

"The safety and security of the players and officials for the tournament is of paramount importance and we continue to work with the appropriate authorities to this end. We thank the local security directorate and police force for their swift and decisive action."

 

At first it was thought that a fire had broken out inside the hotel but the hotel later insisted the problem had been a gas leak.

(Article: Copyright © 2007 AFP)