Security ‘breakdown’ allows armed men into Melbourne’s MCG

SYNDEY: Security at Melbourne Cricket Ground will be ramped up after two men were charged over smuggling handguns and bullets into a crowd of over 82,000 Australian Rules fans, police said Friday.

Victoria police said they arrested the duo, both in their 20s, after they refused to leave the stadium during Collingwood´s defeat of Carlton on Thursday night. A police search allegedly revealed the pair were each carrying a handgun and bullets, with one of the weapons already loaded.

Both men were charged with multiple offences, including possessing an unregistered handgun and ammunition without a licence. Police said the incident was not linked to terrorism and there was no ongoing threat to the public.

“Last night´s incident is extremely disappointing and upsetting,” Melbourne Cricket Club chief executive Stuart Fox, who manages the stadium, said in a statement. Despite security screening initially “identifying items of concern”, a “breakdown” in further searches allowed the pair to enter the busy stadium, Fox said.