London Police Launch Security Hotline to Counter Terrorism

With just over five months to go until the Olympic Games, police in London launched a new anti-terrorism hotline to persuade residents and visitors to stop potential attackers.

"Terrorists live amongst us. We want you to tell us about anyone or anything you see which is out of place in your normal day-to-day lives," said Stuart Osborne, deputy assistant commissioner of Scotland Yard.

"We know you may have concerns about speaking to the police, possibly because your friends or family may find out. But you may well have information which could save lives," Osborne said.

The force said the threat of attacks to London and Britain in general, whether from Al-Qaeda inspired groups or individuals or Irish dissident republicans, was "real and serious."