Missiles at residential flats during Olympics?

Surface-to-air missiles could be stationed on top of a block of residential flats in east London Credit: LOCOG

Surface-to-air missiles could be stationed on top of a block of residential flats to ward off any airborne terror threats during the Olympics, under plans being considered by the MoD.

Residents in the private, gated flats in Bow, east London - which are home to 700 people - have received a leaflet warning them that a team of 10 soldiers and police could be stationed at the building for the duration of the Games.

One of the residents, journalist Brian Whelan, 28, said the property management company put up posters and gave out the leaflets yesterday.

He said:

Front cover of MoD leaflet sent to residents of an estate in east London Credit: MoD

The leaflet states that members of the Armed Forces will be at the location for a military exercise in early May for between five and seven days, between 2 and 7 May.

This part of the leaflet advises residents about planned military exercises in May Credit: MoD

It also says that there will be a "major national exercise" 2 -10 May "to make sure that the military contribution to the Games is fully ready".

An image of a ground based air defence High Velocity Missile pictured in the leaflet Credit: MoD

Mr Whelan told ITV News that was he was "absolutely shocked" that these potential plans could be announced "in such a flippant way, just a leaflet through the door."

An MoD spokesman said: