2 hours agoFri 2 Jan 2026 at 11:11pm

Riot squad officers will carry long-arm firearms at the Ashes series in Sydney as part of a high-visibility security presence. (ABC News: Jack Fisher)

Officers will carry long-arm firearms as part of a bolstered police presence at the Ashes series in Sydney.

The weapons have been carried by NSW Police personnel during a number of events in Sydney since the December 14 Bondi Beach attack, which resulted in the death of 15 people.

A capacity crowd is expected to attend the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Sunday for the series, with uniformed and mounted police to conduct high-visibility patrols.

Riot squad officers will also be present, carrying long-arm rifles.

Officers carrying long-arm rifles have been present at a number of events following the Bondi terror attack. (ABC News: Che Chorley)

A number of sporting events across the country have proceeded under heightened security conditions, with specialist officers carrying long-arm firearms at the MCG for the Boxing Day Test.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the additional measures were aimed at helping patrons feel safe at public events.

"Many people may not be used to seeing police carrying rifles at sporting events, but our objective here is to help the public feel safe, and police will be out in force," Commissioner Lanyon said.

Mal Lanyon acknowledged some patrons may not be used to seeing visibly armed police at sporting events. (ABC News: Ethan Rix)

"The difference will be in the visibility of long-arms and a stronger presence. Police will otherwise be targeting antisocial and unsafe behaviour as usual," he said in a statement.

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Leane McCusker said the operation was not in response to a specific threat.

"I want to emphasise that there is not any active or imminent threat," she said in a statement.

"All [Public Order and Riot Squad] officers are rifle trained and have been for some time; this does not reflect any recent change in capability or weaponry."