Police have charged a 45-year-old man with attempted murder following the stabbings of two Jewish men in north London on Wednesday, with the incident contributing to the UK terrorism threat level being raised to “severe”.

That is the second highest level on the scale and means the chance of terror attacks are considered ‘highly likely’ by authorities.

Surrey’s latest first-class fixture against Sussex runs from Friday to Monday and the club has moved quickly to reflect the changing circumstances.

A club statement read: “Surrey are in regular communication with the Met Police and will adjust our own security measures in line with the increased threat level. We want to ensure that all staff, spectators and players feel safe and secure at the Kia Oval and will take the action necessary to do so.

“Please note there will be additional security presence and heightened bag searches at this weekend’s Rothesay County Championship match with Sussex, so please allow additional time to enter the ground.”

Surrey have been pioneering a new scheme this season that encourages home-based workers to use the ground as their office, utilising desks and new super-fast broadband connections.

Their last home match, against Essex, saw a 21st century record of 15,663 spectators in attendance.