The UK’s Ministry of Defense (MoD)’s plan to deploy surface-to-air missiles at five sites across London during the Olympics has sparked outrage among residents, local media reported.
The MoD said surface-to-air missiles could be deployed at five sites across London during the Olympics.
Potential sites include the Lexington Building in Tower Hamlets and the Fred Wigg Tower in Waltham Forest, both in east London, according to the MoD.
Blackheath Common and Oxleas Wood, both in south east London, plus William Girling Reservoir in the Lea Valley Reservoir Chain in Enfield and Barn Hill at Netherhouse Farm in Epping Forest are other possible sites.
Residents in the private, gated flats in Bow, east London, have received a leaflet warning them that a team of 10 soldiers and police will be stationed at the building - home to 700 people - for the duration of the Games.
The (MoD) leaflet says the missiles will only be fired as a last resort, said resident Brian Whelan, a journalist.
"They are going to have a test run next week, putting high velocity missiles on the roof just above our apartment and on the back of it they're stationing police and military in the tower of the building for two months, it's not ideal”, he said.
No final decision has been made about this potential deployment but it does form part of Olympic Guardian, a major exercise in which security preparations are being tested this week.
A wide range of actions and capabilities are set to be tested over nine days.
MOL/JR/HE
