London flats set to host missiles for Olympics

"A high-velocity missile system may be situated on the roof" and 10 soldiers stationed in the building for two months for the Games, which start on July 27, according to a leaflet distributed to residents.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed on Saturday it was scouting locations as Britain prepares to mount its biggest peacetime security operation for the Olympics.

"Ground-based air defence systems could be deployed as part of a multi-layered air security plan for the Olympics, including fast jets and helicopters," a spokesman for the ministry said in a statement.

"Based on military advice, we have identified a number of sites and... are talking to local authorities and relevant landowners to help minimise the impact of any temporary deployments," he said.

The ministry has made no final decision on deployment of missiles, but is evaluating sites alongside police, the statement added.