Games security ‘not compromised’ by guards shortfall

London’s Olympic Games is not threatened by a major security contractor’s failure to find enough staff, the head of the city’s organising committee and ministers said yesterday, seeking to quell a political storm before athletes arrive.

Just days ago, the government announced it would draft in 3,500 extra troops as cover after contractor G4S admitted it was unlikely to train the guards it had promised under its £284m contract in time.

The news — two weeks before the start of the games on July 27 — prompted concerns over the safety of athletes and spectators, and raised fears that those trying to get into venues would face long queues to get through security.