Security

London 2012 - SAS base at Olympic Games

A top-secret SAS base is bring built to combat the terrorist threat at next year's London Olympics, according to The Sun. The special forces have been given a key role in security at the Games, with Chinook helicopters, underground bunkers and water-borne craft all set for use.

The base is under construction in East London, and elite troops will use the area's network of waterways to respond to threats.

As well as the River Thames, the Olympic Stadium is surrounded by smaller tributaries such as the Old River Lea and St Thomas' Creek, which security forces will navigate in rigid inflatable craft.

A source told The Sun: "All scenarios are being anticipated. London will be protected like never before - and the message is clear.

"If anyone is fool enough to try to endanger the public at these Games they will be met with the swiftest retribution by the best-equipped troops of our most elite fighting units.
"They've been preparing for months. It's a huge mission and reflects the gravity of the threat."
Security preparations are well under way. Chinooks have flown around the Olympic Park, while live ammunition was used in a drill earlier this year.