The 2012 London Olympic Games
The scheduled start of the sporting extravaganza is July 27, 2012 and it will run to Aug. 12, 2012. Reuters

Top British military officials are anticipating a deadly "dirty bomb" attack, during the 2012 Olympic Games in London. In response to those fears, measures are being put in place to prevent radioactive attacks at some of the Games venues outside London, including Old Trafford in Manchester, Brands Hatch in Kent and Weymouth in Dorset, according to a report in the Mirror.

In addition, a 1,000-strong rapid reaction force is being assembled, to better respond to "mass casualties".

The Mirror has reportedly seen a note sent to ­commanders in the Ministry of Defence (MoD), which says: "Transition to Threat State Critical is ongoing. It is identifying additional defence support that might be required in such circumstances, for example radiological detection at non-London venues."

The note also reveals how the MoD has been asked to provide a "contingency force" to counter any possible attacks. Military sources quoted by the Mirror fear the attacks could take place outside London because the terrorists may believe such locations to be less secure.

Approximately 8,000 troops, who will assist law enforcement agencies at venues for the Olympic and Paralympic (London will also host the 2012 Paralympic Games, which is a multi-sport event for athletes with physical disabilities). However, in addition to that number, more troops from the British Army, Navy and Royal Air Force will also be deployed, following fears that terrorists could launch a Mumbai-style gun assault.

"We have been fully involved in Olympic security planning and it is anticipated that the Armed Forces will provide some specialist support. Ongoing planning to meet a range of contingencies is sensible," said a spokesman for the MoD, who continued, "You never know what is being planned so we have to cater for the worst-case scenarios. You cannot have enough boots on the ground for a massive event like this."

The 2012 Summer Olympic Games will be held from July 27 to August 12, at the Olympic Park in Stratford, East London and 33 other venues across the UK.

London