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A car burns during riots in St Pauls, Bristol
The London riots will not affect the security of the 2012 Olympics, says the International Olympic Committee. Photograph: Robert Timoney/Rex Features
The London riots will not affect the security of the 2012 Olympics, says the International Olympic Committee. Photograph: Robert Timoney/Rex Features

London riots will not affect 2012 Olympic security, says IOC

This article is more than 12 years old
International Olympic Committee happy with security
Body puts responsibility on local authorities to ensure safety

The International Olympic Committee says it is confident that the 2012 London Olympics will be secure despite the riots that have wreaked havoc in the capital over the past three days.

The IOC is clear, though, that the responsibility lies with the British government, the Metropolitan police and other domestic agencies to ensure that the Games do pass off without any incident.

A statement from the IOC said: "Security at the Olympic Games is a top priority for the IOC. It is, however, directly handled by the local authorities, as they know best what is appropriate and proportionate. We are confident they will do a good job in this domain."

The British Olympic Association endorsed that view, saying this lunchtime: "For a global event such as the Olympic Games, the primary responsibility for security rests with law enforcement authorities, who work closely with the Games Organising Committee and other bodies to ensure every measure is taken to provide a safe and secure environment.

"We know that security has been a top priority in the planning and preparation for London 2012, and we have full confidence in the work being done to prepare for the Games. Our focus is on preparing Team GB, and the events of the past few days have had no impact on our planning and preparation."

Locog, the committee charged with organising the Olympic and Paralympic games, is intent that it is business as usual. A test event, the beach volleyball, has started today on Horse Guard's Parade, near Downing Street in central London.

Locog said: "A lot of detailed work has taken place regarding security plans for the Games and we will continue to review them together with the Met police and the Home Office over the coming year."

More on this story

More on this story

  • Wembley becomes a refuge from riots in a world turned on its head

  • UK riots: Could disorder erupt again and threaten the Olympics?

  • Safety fears force FA to postpone England friendly with Holland

  • Fears grow that disorder will impact on London Olympics

  • Premier League's opening weekend under threat from rioting

  • London riots: pressure grows to show that the 2012 Olympics will be safe

  • Premier League's opening fixture list hangs in the balance

  • England focused on India Test despite violence, says Andrew Strauss

  • As London riots, beach volleyball's maidens set and spike in sight of No10

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