Security upped after indecent assault claim

MELBOURNE, Jan 19 (Reuters) Australian Open security has been stepped up as police investigate a report a five-year-old boy was indecently assaulted at the Melbourne Park tennis event earlier this week.

The move to beef up security also comes after a brawl between rival Serb and Croat fans on the opening day of the grand slam.

''The welfare of our patrons has always been a top priority and we are working extremely closely with Victoria Police to support them in every way we can in this investigation,'' Tennis Australia CEO Steve Wood told reporters in a news conference today.

''We have stepped up security. More people are patrolling the areas and have been asked to be extra vigilant.'' A statement from Victoria Police released earlier today said: ''Police are investigating a reported indecent assault at the Tennis Centre on Monday, January 15.

''Around 5pm, a young boy entered the male toilets inside the Rod Laver Arena when it is alleged a male entered the cubicle and touched him inappropriately.

''The boy's mother alerted security when the boy did not come out. A search was conducted inside the toilets, and the boy reappeared after around five minutes and told his mother what happened.'' The alleged indecent assault is the second incident to overshadow the on-court action at the Australian Open this week.

On Monday, around 150 fans were evicted from the grounds after Serbs and Croats clashed on the grounds. Police admitted they had unprepared to deal with the brawling fans.

Reuters AY GC1005