Missiles cleared to protect Olympics

Surface-to-air defence systems will be deployed at six sites in and around London during the 2012 Olympic Games, the government confirmed.

It is pressing ahead with the deployment in the face of a potential legal challenge from east London residents, who do not want the systems pitched on the roof of their tower block.

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said: “Ground-based air defence systems will form just one part of a comprehensive, multi-layered air security plan which, I believe, will provide both reassurance and a powerful deterrent.”