Riots prompt Olympics security review

IOC confident organisers will be able to pull off a secure event.

LONDON:

British officials vowed to review security plans for the 2012 London Olympics as a third day of rioting forced the cancellation of England’s football friendly against the Netherlands.

Widespread unrest across London, and the apparent inability of police to deal swiftly with multiple outbreaks of violence, have prompted questions over security plans for next summer’s sports extravaganza.

A London 2012 spokesperson confirmed that security plans for the Games will be reviewed.

“A lot of work has already taken place regarding security plans for the Games and we’ll continue to review them together with the Met Police and the Home Office over the coming year,” said the spokesperson.

Britain Home Secretary Theresa May also said officials would ‘look at what’s necessary’ to ensure a trouble-free Olympics as security personnel continue to monitor the volatile situation.

The violence came as around 200 senior Olympic officials were in London to address issues including transport and accommodation for athletes. A spokesperson for the International Olympic Committee said the organisation was confident London could deliver a secure event.

“Security at the Olympic Games is a top priority,” he said. “It’s, however, directly handled by local authorities. We’re confident they’ll do a good job in this domain.” 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 10^th, 2011.