British police are reviewing security arrangements for the London Marathon this Sunday after the bombs in Boston.

Marathon organisers and officers are working together to find out whether there is an international threat and if they should change any arrangements.

The security operation for Baroness Thatcher’s funeral on Wednesday is also being reviewed.

Chief Superintendent Julia Pendry, police commander for the London Marathon, said: “A security plan is in place. We will be reviewing our security arrangements in partnership with marathon organisers.”

Nick Bitel, London Marathon Chief Executive, vowed to look at whether extra steps need to be taken to safeguard the race and runners.

“We are deeply saddened and shocked by the news from Boston,” he said. “Our immediate thoughts are with the people there and their families.

“When an incident of this nature occurs you can’t be complacent. You have to see if more needs to be done. That’s what we’ll be doing in the coming hours and days.”

The London Marathon is the world’s largest but turnout for the event could now be affected because of the attacks in Boston.

Half a million spectators were expected to line the streets of the capital to watch more than 30,000 runners, but it is possible some will pull out.

The course, starting in Blackheath and finishing in front of Buckingham Palace, takes in some of the capital’s top tourist attractions, including Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, Big Ben and Parliament Square.

As well as the threat of disruption from Irish republican groups and left-wing protesters, police will now be preparing for the possibility of copycat attacks after the blasts in Massachusetts.

Richard Barrett, who analyses terror threats for the United Nations, said they would need to balance the needs of security with the need to allow public events to continue.

“They’ll be concerned about copycat attacks and about other sporting events and public galleries,” he said.

“The Boston Marathon was a very soft target with 26 miles of spectators and lots of cars and people moving around.

“Security services are used to dealing with these issues but they’ll be looking at things again in the light of this attack.”

Meanwhile, Lord Reid has said experts will be keen to review security arrangements for Lady Thatcher’s funeral, which is also due to pass major London landmarks.

He said: “Everyone will have been appalled at the terrible events in Boston. While the culprits and motivation behind the US terror attacks are still unclear, this will obviously entail a review of security arrangements for both Lady Thatcher’s funeral and the London Marathon.

“They will require extra vigilance from everyone involved and it is also to be hoped that everyone recognises the added responsibility of co-operating with the police and the authorities at both events.”

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