Surface-to-air missiles might be placed on the rooftop of a block of flats in east London as part of Britain's air defences for the Olympics, the country's military confirmed yesterday.
About 700 people living in Bow Building - just over 3km from London's Olympic stadium - have been warned that weapons and soldiers are likely to be deployed at the site for about two months.
In a leaflet sent to the residents, the Ministry of Defence said the building offered an uncluttered "view of the surrounding areas and the entire sky above the Olympic park".
Troops plan to conduct tests at the gated apartment complex to determine if the high-velocity surface-to-air missiles could be placed on its roof.
Britain previously confirmed that up to 13500 members of the armed forces were being deployed on land, at sea and in the air to protect the Olympics.
Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said Typhoon fighter jets, helicopters, two warships and bomb disposal experts will be on duty.
"As announced before Christmas, ground-based air-defence systems could be deployed as part of a multi-layered air security plan for the Olympics, including fast jets and helicopters, which will protect the skies over London during the games," the ministry said.
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