LONDON — Surface-to-air missiles could be stationed on the rooftops of an apartment block in east London as part of Britain’s air defenses for the Olympics, the country’s military confirmed Sunday.
About 700 people living at the building in Bow — about 2 miles from London’s Olympic Stadium — have been contacted and warned that the weapons and about 10 soldiers are likely to be based at the site for about two months.
In a leaflet sent to residents, the ministry said the venue offered an uncluttered “view of the surrounding areas and the entire sky above the Olympic park.”
Troops plan to conduct tests next week at the building, an upmarket gated apartment complex, to determine whether the high-velocity surface-to-air missiles will be stationed on a water tower attached to the site’s roof.
Resident Brian Whelan said those who live at the site were wary about the plan.
“From the few people I’ve spoken to, and the security we have here, they’re not happy about it,” he said. “I don’t think it needs to be here at all.”
