500 FBI will be sent to guard US team in London

 
Security fears: The US is sending 500 FBI agents to protect their contestants at the Games
10 April 2012

The United States is preparing to send 1,000 security personnel including 500 FBI agents to London to protect its VIPs and athletes during the Olympics.

Washington fears the number of British police officers and security staff available is nowhere near enough.

Olympic security meetings involving David Cameron and other senior members of the Cabinet are becoming dominated by queries from the US, according to sources.

British officials are said to have raised concerns about the meddling by the "very demanding" Americans.

Last month the Standard revealed estimates that 10,000 security guards would be needed to protect the 32 sites across the country have been revised to 21,000.

Fears there is not enough time to make up the shortfall mean thousands of soldiers may have to be called upon to help. The Ministry of Defence has reportedly offered half the total shortfall - 3,000 soldiers and another 2,000 in reserve.
Olympic security firm G4S will attempt to make up the rest in a recruitment campaign starting this week.

A military source told the Guardian: "What have they been doing for the past five years? There is less than a year to go and they have only just realised they need twice the number of security guards they first thought."

The transatlantic friction is adding to the pressure on Games organiser Locog which is facing a potential crisis over venue security. The Home Office defended preparations, saying the International Olympic Committee had "full confidence" in Britain's plans.

Anxiety among the Americans was raised following the police response to the London riots. The repeal of Section 44 of the Terrorism Act, which allowed police to stop and search suspects, has also caused alarm.

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