London: Police escorted bloodied passengers up to ambulances, cordoned off the street near a stricken London subway station and rushed off to find an half-exploded knapsack.
But it was all just an Olympic security drill.
Britain's police, fire and ambulance services tested their ability on Wednesday to deal with a terrorist attack during the London Olympics, swooping on a disused subway station for a drill that revived painful memories of the 2005 bomb attacks on London's transit system.
The two-day test — called "Forward Defensive" — started at the Aldwych subway station, which has been closed to commuters since 1994. The London Underground maintains the station so it can be used in movies and rented for parties. Its narrow staircases, looping track, tunnel and platform make it the perfect location to simulate dealing with such an emergency.
"If there are mistakes, this is the time to make them, not when there's a real incident," said British Transport Police spokesman Simon Lubin.
For participants, the test evoked memories of the July 7, 2005, London transit attacks, when four suicide bombers killed 52 commuters on three subway trains and a bus.
That attack came a day after London was awarded the 2012 Olympics.
One of the primary areas under review was the communications ability of emergency workers, different police services, government ministers and transport officials. Official reports and an inquest had criticised the emergency services' response to the 2005 bombings.
"I think we have obviously since that event [the 2005 attack] learned a number of lessons," said Howard Collins, chief operating officer of London Underground. "A lot of investment has happened, not only in the Tube but also in those emergency services, new radio systems, new equipment. So we are going to see all those new things tested."
The security exercise involving 2,500 people simulated an attack on one of the busiest days during the 2012 London Olympics. Authorities said the scenario involved a partially-exploded knapsack on the Underground.
Prepared this time
Among those watching the drill was office worker Michelle Bailey, 31.
"It brought it back to me, what happened in 2005," she said. "At least they're prepared, this time."
The Olympics present a massive security concern. Ever since 11 Israeli athletes and coaches died in an attack at the 1972 Munich Games, the event has been seen as a magnet for groups anxious to publicise their cause.
British authorities have planned for a threat level for the London games of "severe", meaning an attack is "highly likely".
British authorities have refused to discuss whether there has been any particular threat to the London Olympics, which open on July 27 and end on August 12.
Kenya
Places up for grabs
Athletics Kenya confirmed yesterday they will hold the men's and women's 5,000 and 10,000 metre team selections for the 2012 London Olympics at the Prefontaine Classic in the US in June.
Kenya have not won an Olympic distance title since Naftali Temu took the men's 10,000m gold at the 1968 Mexico Games and Ethiopians have dominated since 1993.
Athletics Kenya chairman Isaiah Kiplagat said the decision to hold the team trials in Eugene, Oregon on June 1 was to allow the athletes to compete at sea level to replicate the conditions in London.
"We are looking at selecting the best team to represent Kenya in London. And holding the trials at Oregon should be the best suitable place to select such a team," said Kiplagat.
But the decision to hold the race trials in the US, away from the traditional Nairobi setting, has been criticised by former international athletes, led by the Sydney Olympic 10,000m silver medallist Paul Tergat.
"The national Olympic team and its selection should be done by Kenyans, run in Kenya and witnessed by Kenya," Tergat said.
The Kenyan Olympic trials will be held at the Nairobi's Nyayo National stadium on June 21-23.
— AFP