London, Jan 20: A massive security drill took place on Thursday as part of preparations for the London Olympics.
Around 100 marines and 50 officers rehearsed a string of high-speed drills amid fears attackers could use the waterways to launch onslaughts on London landmarks, reports Daily Mail.
About 50 marine police officers in rigid inflatables and fast response boats were joined by up to 100 military personnel and a Royal Navy Lynx helicopter for the exercises.
Named Operation Woolwich Arsenal Pier, the operation saw the Royal Marines and Scotland Yard take command of the River Thames in a determined show of strength as part of a security exercise for the London Olympics.
The British muscle on show was designed to test the water for the joint operation, and to illustrate UK's readiness against terrorism.
Assistant Commissioner Chris Allison, head of the force's security operation for the Games, said a Mumbai-style terror attack was one of a host of potential threats to the games.
Speaking on the shores of the Thames, he said: 'There is no specific threat from the river but we would be failing in our duty to ignore it at games time.
'What you have seen today is the sort of things we can do.'
Despite a heavy military presence on show today, Mr Allison insisted the sporting event would remain a 'blue games'.
The Thames runs directly past the O2 Arena, which will be known as the North Greenwich Arena for the purpose of the Games, when it will host events including gymnastics. The river will also be used to transport tourists between venues via water buses and a new cable car.
Typhoon jets and HMS Ocean, the largest ship in the Royal Navy's fleet, will eventually be deployed to protect the London 2012 Games along with up to 13,500 military personnel.
'If we need the military support, it is there,' he added.
'All of our planning is designed to mitigate against potential risks during the summer of 2012, and this is an example of where we will be using specialist military capability to support us.
'This exercise is not in response to any specific threat, but is part of our planning to pre-deploy certain specialist assets to bolster our operation.
'This will be a summer like no other in London. The Thames runs through the very heart of our capital and will be a popular place for people who want to be part of the Olympic spirit.
'This is all part of our planning to ensure this summer's events take place safely and securely.'
