Britain may call in more troops

Britain may have to call up more soldiers to guard the Olympic Games after a failed private sector recruitment drive left an embarrassing hole in security.

The security fiasco and doubts over the ability of London's transport system to handle large numbers of visitors to the Games have overshadowed an event that the government still hopes will give recession-hit Britain something to celebrate.

The omens did not look good as athletes from across the world arrived in London this week, some tweeting frustration with transport delays amid a media storm over security fears.